Irene Julia Steinbach

April 26th, 1930 - September 23rd, 2008

Irene Julia 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Irene Julia here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Dear Steinbach family: I was just talking to someone about "Mrs. Steinbach" two nights ago. I worked at the Flavor House when I was 14 and 15 years old and credited her for instilling a "work ethic" in me that has served me well from that point forward. We all worked hard and she watched our every move, but always pleasantly and NEVER mean-spirited. She was one of those people who made an impact on your life, in a very good way, for years to come. I am privileged to have known and worked with her all those years ago. Peace be with you.....Karyn Radtke Ridley

Karyn R

Grandma,

I am going to miss you so much. We definitely had adventures together that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I have learned so many things from you that I will be able to share with others. I will never forgot your positive outlook on life no matter how difficult the situation was.
Thank you for loving me so much. During this time of grieving I will always remember I am not alone and that you are looking down and watching over me. I love you and enjoy God's paradise.

Love Connie
Septmember 25, 2008

Connie Geiger

Dear Steinbach Family,
Our prayers are with you during this time of loss. Irene was a wonderful neighbor and friend for almost 20 years. It was a joy to know her. Irene provided us with the opportunity to have our children learn a valuable lesson in life of "love thy neighbor". I think she enjoyed watching the children grow from toddlers to young adults as much as we did. Lauren and Jason always enjoyed their weekly visits with her, even the challenges of finding the cats and caring for Queenie! Lucy, we can't thank you enough for updating us occassionally on Irene's condition when she relocated. Unfortunately, we have previous commitments that will not allow us to attend the service. Please know that our prayers are with you all. God bless, Mark, Karen, Lauren & Jason Hinkle.

Mark, Karen, Lauren & Jason Hinkle

To Irene,
Irene, you were known as Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend to us. Your loving, kind way was always there for all of us. You had a way of making all of us, actually feel, we were special to you. Becuase of this you are very special to all of us. I will cherish the time we spent together, not only as sisters but as friends. Sharing not only the happy times in our lives, but the sad as well. Remembering all the special moments, including you braiding my hair (pictails) when I was all of 4 yrs., at most; to your going to school, then off to college, and then watching you get ready for your dates with Mike Steinbach, the man who would one day win your heart and your hand in marriage. I was priviledged to share not only your life but also your last days. Watching you bravely fight the greatest battle of your life, never complaining, or questioning God and his reason for it, but rather accepting it with dignity, will always be something I will never forget. Your resignation to do what God's will entailed, no matter what, throughout your life, was instilled in you by the love and example of our Dad and Mom. I will truly miss not having the ability to call you on the phone, share a cup of tea and "share" all with you. And yet, I know in my heart that Our Beloved God has indeed prepared a special place for you that is free from pain, suffering and sorrow. Because of this reward I resign myself to your leaving me in this world knowing that you are enjoying a peace and happiness unlike anything anyone could ever imagine. I miss you my "Reno" (my pet name for you because I could never, as a young child, pronounce Irene) -- I thank God for giving me you as my "big sister". Much Love, Your "Little Sis", Lucy

Lucy Arndt

We offer our deepest sympathy to your family. We came to know Irene this past year at Bickford Cottage in Portage where I (Mary) brought Holy Communion to her each Friday. We will always remember Irene for the courageous and gentle person that we came to know, especially in these last few months. She so dearly loved her family and spoke of you often.

I was always moved by her deep faith in God. She was an inspiration to me and many others.

I write this also on behalf of the Catholics residents at Bickford Cottage. We will remember her and all of you in our prayers.