Darwin “Bub” E. Steinke, 81, of Pioneer passed away Tuesday morning at Evergreen Manor Nursing Home in Montpelier. He was born on January 19, 1939 in Bridgewater Township to J.E. and Dorothy (Cline) Steinke.
Bub graduated from Montpelier High School in 1957, then went on to Toledo Barber College. He married Sharon E. Rupp on October 17, 1964 and she survives.
Bub served his country in the Ohio Air National Guard out of Toledo. He attended Salem Mennonite Church in Waldron, Michigan. He was a member of the US Trotting Association and the Montpelier Eagles.
No matter where Bub and Sharon went, he was always glad to come back to Sha-win Farm, he always claimed that Bridgewater was the “best place on earth.” He raised, trained and raced Standardbred Horses from 1965-2016.
He owned and operated Bub’s Barbershop in Pioneer and then in Montpelier for 57 years. He would also do some barber work in Florida to pass the time. He spent some time at Spring Garden Ranch in DeLeon Springs, Florida watching the training of Standardbred Horses.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon; sons Richard “Ric” (Sara) Steinke of Pioneer and Kurt (Alanna) Steinke of Ten Sleep, Wyoming; grandson Jacob E. (Emily) Steinke of North Canton, Ohio; siblings Col. Donald (Terry) Steinke of Montpelier, Doloris “Chip” (Walter) Bumb of Montpelier, Pat (Ron) Eisel of Alvordton; sister-in-law Mary Steinke of Pioneer; and many nieces and nephews.
Bub was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Derald and Larry Steinke.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to Salem Mennonite Church.
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