Raymond ”Derald” Steinke, 80, of Pioneer, passed away peacefully in his home on December 8, 2013. He was born on January 13, 1933 to J.E. and Dorothy (Cline) Steinke in Bridgewater Township.
Derald graduated from Montpelier High School in 1951. He left to serve his county in the United States Army in February of 1953 and served in the Korean War until December of 1954; with an honorable discharge.
After returning from the service Derald married the love of his life, Mary Houk, on September 25, 1955 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Edon, OH. Derald followed his dream of becoming a lifelong farmer. In addition to his farming, he also drove milk and livestock trucks and over the years worked at Winzelers Stamping Company, Power and Sons, Robinair, St Joe Storage and Drying, and was the Custodian for North Central Schools. After retirement, he devoted his time to “Deere Derald’s Mowing”. Derald was a member of the VFW Post 8628 in Pioneer, OH. His faith and love for the Lord was evident in his membership at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier, OH.
To Derald, his family was his world. He was always there to lend an ear, give advice, or scold when needed. It wasn’t unheard of to leave feeling better after a “Dad”, “Grandpa”, or “Paw Paw” talk. He had many talents and coined many phrases.
Derald is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary. Three Children; Dennis (Valerie) Steinke, Ann (Ed) Kidston, Lee (Laurie) Steinke all of Pioneer. Seven Grandchildren; Jaimie Meleason (Ivan King), Corey (Julie) Steinke, Kati (Ryan) Burt, Jodi (Josh) Fiser, Michael (McCrae) Kidston, Hannah Brehm-Gutting, Tessa Steinke. Twelve Great Grandchildren. Two Brothers; Col. Don (Terry)Steinke of Montpelier, Darwin “Bub” (Sharon) Steinke of Pioneer. Two Sisters; Doloris “Chip” (Dr. Walter) Bumb of Montpelier, Pat (Ron) Eisel of Alvordton. One Aunt, one Uncle and many nephews and neices. Along with Julie (Richard and R.C.) Wonderly of Pioneer, whom Derald thought of as part of his family. Derald was preceded in death by his parents, J.E. and Dorothy Steinke, and one brother, Larry Steinke.
Services will be held on Friday December 13, 2013 at 11:00am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montpelier, OH with Pastor Paul Gruetter officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier with Military Rites provided by the Montpelier and Pioneer Veterans. Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 11, 2013 from 6pm-8pm and Thursday December 12, 2013 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home at 335 Empire St. in Montpelier, OH.
Family requests memorials be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montpelier, OH or Community Health Professionals- Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com