Donald Robert Steinke

Donald Robert “Butch” Steinke, 81, of Rensselaer, passed away at his home on Saturday evening, Jan. 22, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Rensselaer on May 25, 1940, the son of Bill and Ruth (Zimmer) Steinke. He was a 1958 graduate of Rensselaer High School and attended Purdue University short course in agriculture after graduation. On June 17, 1961, in DeMotte, he married Margaret Rose “Maggie” Fritts. She preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 2020.

Donald was a lifelong farmer. He was the Jasper County Beef Barn Superintendent for 20 years, and he enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their show calves. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing on the bowling league. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, a past member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rensselaer Eagles.

He is survived by six sons: Pat (Dawn) Steinke, Nick (Patti) Steinke, Jeff Steinke, Tony (Melinda) Steinke, Tim (Sue) Steinke, and Ivan (Tara) Steinke; one sister, Marilyn Miller; two brothers, Eugene (Dolly) Steinke and John (Susan) Steinke; 14 grandchildren: Courtney, Savannah, Lane, Lily, Garrett, Carly, Trent, Jacob, Sara, Tyler, Madalyn (Joseph) Smoker, Joseph, Colton, and Carson; and one great-grandson, Trey, on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margaret; daughter-in-law Lena; and brother-in-law Calvin Miller.

Donald Robert “Butch” Steinke, 81, of Rensselaer, passed away at his home on Saturday evening, Jan. 22, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Rensselaer on May 25, 1940, the son of Bill and Ruth (Zimmer) Steinke. He was a 1958 graduate of Rensselaer High School and attended Purdue University short course in agriculture after graduation. On June 17, 1961, in DeMotte, he married Margaret Rose “Maggie” Fritts. She preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 2020.

Donald was a lifelong farmer. He was the Jasper County Beef Barn Superintendent for 20 years, and he enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their show calves. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing on the bowling league. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, a past member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rensselaer Eagles.

He is survived by six sons: Pat (Dawn) Steinke, Nick (Patti) Steinke, Jeff Steinke, Tony (Melinda) Steinke, Tim (Sue) Steinke, and Ivan (Tara) Steinke; one sister, Marilyn Miller; two brothers, Eugene (Dolly) Steinke and John (Susan) Steinke; 14 grandchildren: Courtney, Savannah, Lane, Lily, Garrett, Carly, Trent, Jacob, Sara, Tyler, Madalyn (Joseph) Smoker, Joseph, Colton, and Carson; and one great-grandson, Trey, on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margaret; daughter-in-law Lena; and brother-in-law Calvin Miller.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 from 8:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Father Joshua Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at the Cemetery of the Resurrection in DeMotte. Memorials may be made to the Jasper County 4-H Beef Barn Improvements. Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.