Ernest R. Steinke

Ernest R. Steinke, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away at Lakeland Hospital, on Sunday, November 7, 2004. Cremation will take place and there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph High School or to the Marge Steinke Special Children?s Fund through the Elks Club of St. Joseph. Mr. Steinke was born June 9, 1921, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Ernest A. and Emma (Zielke) Steinke. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School 1939. Mr. Steinke married his beloved wife Margaret Louise Stakley on November 11, 1950, in St. Joseph. He worked for Clark Equipment Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Upon his retirement, he remained active at St. Joseph High School functions, volunteering for many years. He was also a member of the BPOE #541 of St. Joseph. Mr. Steinke was named ?Elk of the Year? in 1985, and shared the ?Co-Elk of the Year? with his wife Margaret in 1989. He loved fishing, hunting, and volunteer work. Ernie is survived by his loving sons, Bruce (Susan) Steinke of Canton, MI, and Greg Steinke of Houston, TX; a sister, Dorothy Loewen of Benton Township, MI; Richard and Joan Stakley of Hager Township, MI; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many friends. He will be greatly missed, as he enriched every life he touched.