Roy Steinke

Roy was born on Nov. 19, 1947, in Iron Mountain, the youngest of three children, to the late Dr. Charles G. and Lorraine V. (LeRoy) Steinke. Roy attended Breitung Township Schools and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1966.

He learned to play the piano, clarinet, guitar and banjo. He played golf and tennis at Kingsford and won the U.P. Singles Championship his senior year. During the summer of 1966, he worked for Kimberly Clark, surveying timber holdings in the U.P.

Roy attended Northern Michigan University, studying geography, soils and forestry. He lettered in tennis for the Wildcats his freshman year. From 1967-1969 he worked for North Central Airlines at O’Hare Airport in Chicago as a baggage handler.

In the summer of 1969, he was drafted into the army and did his basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky. He served 13 and 1/2 months in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion 321st Artillery of the 101st Airborne. In November 1970 he returned home from service and reentered Northern Michigan University to begin studying for a bachelor of science degree in industrial education.

Roy was married to Jane Osterberg on Aug. 5, 1972, at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford. Together they raised two sons and shared a love of nature and education.

Roy graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974 and taught woodworking, drafting, welding and small engines at the Goodman-Armstrong Creek Schools for 30 years. He retired from education, but continued to work for Tadych’s Econo Foods in Iron Mountain as a stocker, bagger and delivery man.

Roy was raised in the Methodist Church, and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and lived to be at camp. He raised Labrador retrievers, was a prolific gardener and loved to can and cook. He was a “cat whisperer” to Glock and Marl. Roy was well-loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, coworkers and former students.

Roy is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane; his sons, Roy Steinke Jr. and Jared M. Steinke; his grandchildren, Jared “Mikey,” Serenity “Sissy,” and Gabriel James Steinke; a sister, Ann of Merrill, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Patricia of Granbury, Texas; a brother-in-law, Larry (Chris) Osterberg of Grand Rapids; one niece; and several nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by a brother, Charles G. Steinke Jr.; a brother-in-law, David Osterberg; and in-laws, Franklin and Thelma Osterberg.

Private family services and burial will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Roy J. Steinke to any of the following charities: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, National Audubon Society, National Diabetes Association, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Roy J. Steinke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.