Larry L. Steinke

Larry L. Steinke, 82, a lifelong resident of Rensselaer, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Seagrass Village in Panama City Beach, Florida. He was born in Rensselaer on October 1, 1938, son of Reuben L. Steinke and Virginia M. (Day) Steinke. He attended school in South Barkley Township and was a 1956 graduate of Rensselaer High School. He served in the Indiana National Guard for 11 years.

On October 21, 1967, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Rensselaer, he married the love of his life, Suzanne Cooper. They raised two children, Mike and Kim.

Larry started working for Bradshaw Funeral Home, which became Granlund Funeral Home, right out of high school. He fulfilled his dream and purchased this funeral home in 1972. He graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1977 and was a licensed Indiana Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 35 years. Larry dedicated his life to serving the community. Along with his wife and partner, Suzanne, he owned and operated Steinke Funeral Home and Ambulance Service for many years. He enjoyed being an entrepreneur and buying and selling things. He owned many rental properties over the years.

Larry was wise, humble, selfless, and frugal. He had a heart of gold and would give anyone the shirt off of his back. He was a hard worker and loved to stay busy. When not going on ambulance calls with his wife or working at the funeral home, he enjoyed spending time at home mowing and working in the yard. During retirement he and Suzanne enjoyed spending time vacationing in Panama City Beach, Florida.

To those who knew him well, Larry had a wonderful sense of humor. With a grin and a twinkle in his eyes, he enjoyed laughing and joking around with family and friends. He loved his family dearly and was a proud “Poppy” to his four grandchildren.

He was a Christian man who loved the Lord. He was a member of Victorious Life Assembly of God Church of rural Remington and attended Hiland Park Baptist Church when in Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Suzanne Steinke; two children, Michael L. Steinke and Kimberly J. (Dr. Michael) Drone; four grandchildren: Carter, Carly, Carson, and Camryn, all of Rensselaer; and his faithful, furry companion, Jiggs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edward R. Steinke; and two sisters, Deanna S. Steinke and Phyllis J. (Steinke) Chicke.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 2-6 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are required. A private funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. with Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Weston Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Samaritan’s Purse or Friends of the Jasper County Animal Shelter.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.