Julia R. Steinke, 95 of Eau Claire passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Dove Healthcare-West.
Julia and her twin sister, June were born on January 17, 1922 to John and Ella (Conrad) Lane on the family farm in the town of Seymour, Wisconsin. They were so tiny at birth that they were placed in the warming oven of the old cook stove. Julia was baptized on February 3, 1922 and later confirmed on September 6, 1936. She married Marvin Steinke on August 16, 1942 at Zion Lutheran Church. Together they owned Karmel Korn, a business in downtown Eau Claire. After retirement, Marvin and Julia spent their winters in Las Vegas as well as traveling to various other countries. Julia enjoyed playing cards, fishing, embroidery, bowling and gardening. At 50 years of age, she learned how to water ski. Julia was a very religious person and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for over 70 years.
Julia is survived by her children, Sylvia (Steve) House of Eau Claire, Jim (Sheri) Steinke of Plymouth, WI, and David Steinke of Hayward, WI; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Selma Lane; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Steinke; children, John and Dennis Steinke; twin sister, June Aude; sisters, Leona Moldenhauer, Margaret Drehmel, Viola Wiese, and Caroline Krumenauer; and brothers, Gordon, Henry, and Reinholdt Lane.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703, with Pastor Carlton Kangas officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek, WI. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
It was such a pleasure to work and spend time with Julia when she was a Dove Healthcare-West. She always brightens up my day when she came for exercise classes and walk together afterwards. She was always my walking partner when walking down the hallways and it was a joy to have all the workers and residents cheering her on. I sure will miss my walking partner and she will be dearly missed by everyone at Dove. My prayers are to the friends and family on the loss of a wonderful lady.
Sincerely,
Kelli Eslinger, PTA/Restorative CNA
Charlie and I just wanted to tell you that we remember your mother well and what a beautiful woman she was. While she got to live a long life, it’s difficult to experience the loss of a mother. The only thing that helps us get through such a loss is knowing that we’ll all be together again one day. Our sympathies. Charlie and Brenda (Storberg) Harvey.
Please accept our belated sympathy for your loss. The Threshold Singers of the Chippewa Valley have very special memories of our visits to Julia at Dove West. She was a special lady who sometimes sang along with us and even introduced us to a favorite Christmas hymn – Star of the East. We will miss those visits with Julia; singing to her was only a small part of our experience.
Blessings on your journey, Julia.