Robert W. “Bob” Steinke, age 75, formerly of Plymouth, WI, passed away on Saturday morning, March
30, 2019, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on May 26, 1946 in
Plymouth, Wisconsin, a son of the late William and Miriam (Carpenter) Steinke. Bob attended Harmon
Grade School and graduated in 1961 from Plymouth High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-
1963, during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
On August 26, 1967, he married Joan Waldschmidt at St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth. The couple
resided in Plymouth most of their married life until 1997 when they bought their winter home in Fort
Myers. They became snowbirds until 2011 when Fort Myers became their permanent residence.
He worked at Borden's Cheese, Gilson Brothers Company and at G.T.E. in Plymouth for 31 years as a
storekeeper, retiring in 1999. After his retirement, he worked at the Crystal Lake Golf Course, now Sir
Lanserlot. He worked weekends and then full time for over 40 years. He was a member of the Monday
Night Cascade Golf League at Crystal Lake/:Sir Lanserlot Golf Course and the Thursday Night Men's
League at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course in Elkhart Lake, WI. He belonged to both leagues for many years and
also two golf leagues in Tropicana. His hobbies were golf, golf and more golf. He also enjoyed sports,
especially the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers
He was a former member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Plymouth and is a member of Faith United
Methodist Church in Fort Myers. He and Joan were the Communion Stewards and served communion
every Sunday until illness forced him to step aside.
Survivors include his wife Joan of Fort Myers, one son; Michael (Shellie) of Mission Viejo, CA, one
daughter; Susan (Rich) Young of Port Washington, WI, one grandson; Bradley Steinke of Mission Viejo.
He is also survived by two sisters; Lois Marino of Temperance, MI and Carole (Dave) Rackow of Nampa,
ID, brother-in-law; Leo Waldschmidt of Sheboygan Falls, WI, sister-in-law; Charlotte Waldschmidt of
DePere, WI. and two very special grandchildren in heart, Alex and Sammi Lien. Also survived by many
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by one infant granddaughter; Grace Young, his mother and father-in-law;
Reinhard and Mabel Waldschmidt, one nephew; Mark Rackow, one sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Jean
(Harvey) Borkenhagen and three brothers-in-law; Vince Marino, Charles Waldschmidt and Jim Peterson.
Following Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at Faith United
Methodist Church at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 with Pastors Dennis Lewis and David Stauffer
co-officiating. Friends may call at the CHURCH from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. A celebration
of Robert's life will be held July 7, 2019 at Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Plymouth.
Target gift cards may be given as a memorial for Robert so grandson Bradley can shop for toys and
games for the children of “Make A Wish” of Orange County California. Bradley has been doing this for 6
years. That will make Grandpa Bob so happy.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Plymouth as well as Gallaher American Family
Funeral Home in Fort Myers has been serving the family. For online condolences, please visit
www.suchonfh.com.
