Donald H. “Don” Steinke, Lutheran Church Volunteer and Community Leader, Dies at 90

Donald Harold “Don” Steinke, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Waukesha on October 17, 2026. Born in Milwaukee on April 28, 1936, Steinke married Barbara Steinke (Cox) on November 22, 1960, in South Milwaukee. Together, they raised their three sons in Sun Prairie, ensuring each had the opportunity to attend college—a privilege Steinke himself never experienced.

Faith was central to Steinke’s life. Alongside Barbara, he dedicated himself to building church communities. In West Bend, they helped establish Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and in Greendale, The House of Prayer. After settling in Sun Prairie, they joined Bristol Lutheran Church and later Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, where Steinke was actively involved in various volunteer roles. Following his retirement from American Family Insurance in 2001, the couple moved to Waukesha to be near family. There, they joined Ascension Lutheran Church, where Steinke continued to serve through volunteer work at the Waukesha Food Pantry, Meriter Hospital, and by supporting his grandchildren’s activities.

Steinke was a devoted family man, maintaining a close relationship with his four grandchildren. He was a constant presence in their lives, often calling them and showing deep care. His interests included reading Louis L’Amour, fishing, gardening, woodworking, cribbage, listening to Barbara play music, collecting antiques, enjoying his son’s BBQ, and cheering for the Packers. His life was marked by a commitment to family, community, and service.

Steinke is survived by his three sons, Bill (Teri) of Raleigh, N.C., Jay (Jenni) of Waukesha, and Ross (Lisa) of Naples, Fla.; four grandchildren, Samuel, Noah, and Ava of Waukesha, Tadgh of Naples, and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Barbara, and his sister, Sue Gering. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1415 Dopp St., Waukesha. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m., with a lunch reception from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and burial at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ascension Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Visit www.randledable.com for the complete obituary.

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