Terry LeRoy Steinke

Terry LeRoy Steinke, age 81 of Elkhart, passed away on December 7, 2021.  Terry was born October 4, 1940, in Warsaw, Indiana to the late Lorrine “Larry” and Elizabeth (Orn) Steinke.  On August 1, 1963, Terry married Janice Stouder in Milford, Indiana.  Janice preceded him in death on March 13, 2018. 

Terry is survived by his children David (Lori) Steinke, Jim (Shiela) Steinke, both of Elkhart, Daniel (Kelly) Steinke of Groveland, Florida, and Tom (Michelle) Steinke of Middlebury.  Also surviving is his sister Mary Sue (Ben) Stockton, 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and an 18th great grandchild due in May of 2022. He was preceded in death by a grandson and 5 great grandchildren. Terry’s daughter from his previous marriage, Becci (Mike) Mann survives as well.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 6:00 pm funeral service on Friday, December 17, 2021, at Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Osceola.  Cremation will follow, and Terry will be laid to rest beside Janice privately in Olive Cemetery.

Terry was employed for several years in the Michiana area as a truck driver. Terry was also proud to have served as a firefighter with Baugo Township Fire for many years.  He and Janice had moved to Venice, Florida where he became involved with the Moose Lodge and served as the commander with the Sons of the American Legion, participating with their drill team and marching in parades.  He later transferred his membership to the Elkhart Moose Lodge and made many new friends. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time out on the water fishing.

In his younger years, Terry loved camping with his family at Camp Wildwood and later, he and Janice had a site at Yogi Bear Campground in Pierceton. He later took a part time position as a security guard at the campgrounds and because Terry never knew a stranger, he enjoyed meeting new people each season.  Terry was a two-sport athlete at Elkhart High School where he wrestled and played football and his love for sports continued into adulthood as he served the community as a Little League Umpire and a referee at high school sports. 

Most of all, Terry loved being a husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa to his family. In his memory, donations may be made to Moosehart City Child and School at  www.moosecharities.org.  To light a virtual candle in his memory, share a story of his life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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