Wilbur John Steinke Obituary

Wilbur John Steinke, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in St. Joseph.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wilbur’s 94th birthday Tuesday, August 18 at 12:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 am – 12:00pm. Burial to follow at Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda where Military Honors will be rendered. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Stevensville American Legion Post 568.

Wilbur was born on August 18, 1932 in Benton Harbor to William and Augusta (Treichel) Steinke. Wilbur graduated from Benton Harbor High School and started working at Auto Specialties. He then proudly joined the United States Navy and served four years during the Korean War until he was Honorably Discharged in 1956. After returning home, Wilbur continued working at Auto Specialties until his retirement.

Wilbur married Carol P. Steinke (Teske) in 1980 and they were married for 35 years until her passing in 2016. He was a man of faith and a lifelong, active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church until it merged with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor. Wilbur’s family was always his first priority. He made sure to take care of everyone and was always there when needed. Wilbur bought a cottage in Sister Lakes and it quickly became the place for family holidays and gatherings, hosting countless fun times spent together. When asked how he was doing, his response always was “Do you got a quarter?” Wilbur will always be remembered for his quick humor.

Wilbur will be missed by his step-daughter, Jackie (Andy) Schrubba; grandchildren, Erin (Adam) Schramm, Ali Schrubba, Tony Brow, Lisa Brow and David J. Brow; and nine nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; step-children, Dave W. Brow and Anne Brow; parents Augusta and William; and siblings, Ted Steinke, Robert Steinke, Eleanor Burke, Verna Ozanich, Alvin Steinke, and Lucille Grannell.