Arnold E. Steinke, 1929 – 2019

Funeral services were held July 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson for Arnold Ewald Steinke, 90, longtime Jefferson resident.

The Rev Dennis Martens, pastor of the church,  offered words of comfort. Mark Erikson was organist.

Casket bearers were Joel Venteicher, Chris Goodwin, Tim Ely, Joanie Simms, Lori Whiton Damron and Sheryl Peterson.

Military rites were provided by an Iowa Army National Guard honor guard. Interment will be at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

Arnold E. Steinke, 90, longtime Jefferson resident, went home to heaven on July 17, 2019.

Arnie was born on June 6, 1929, in Gillett, WI, to Christina Lemke Steinke and Rudolph Steinke.

He grew up in Oconto Falls, WI, and graduated from high school in 1946. He then went to railroad school in St. Paul, MN, before enlisting in the US Army in 1948. He was honorably discharged in 1951.

He married Joan McMillan of Andover, MA, on August 2, 1952, and they made their home in Jefferson. Arnie opened A to Z Radio & TV, where he sold and repaired radios and televisions, and he retired in the early 1990s.

Arnie was a member of American Legion Post 11 since 1967 and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1952.

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, and playing cribbage and card games. He loved to spend time with his family. Our family was blessed to have him in it. Our memories are bittersweet but wonderful.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, granddaughter Shayla Gilbert, great-grandson Xavier Goodwin, two sisters, and five brothers.

He is survived by his children Laura Steinke-Simms of Graettinger,  Debra Vimmerstedt of Aurora, CO, and Patricia (Bill) Goodwin of Globe, AZ; grandchildren Joanie Simms, Joel Venteicher, Chris Goodwin, Bo Goodwin, and Derek Allender; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Norma Alsteen and Dorothy Bauer of Milwaukee, WI, and Helen (R. Pat) Smith of Cerritos, CA; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.

The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.

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