Lloyd Steinfort

Lloyd Roger Steinfort lived a very active life well into his later years. Blessed with an abundant and loving family, he relished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. A well-known teacher and pastor in the community he loved, he would say that his accomplishments were the work of the Lord, giving him the opportunity to serve others. Lloyd leaves behind a rich collection of warm memories for all those who knew and loved him.

On January 17, 1926, Lloyd Roger, was born to Henry and Dena (DeVries) Steinfort in Holland, Michigan. Born the fifth child in a family of six, his birth brought great joy and many blessings to the family home. The majority of the 1920s was a period of sustained economic prosperity. The media was focused on the boom of jazz music and labor unions were on the rise. However, by the end of the decade, there was substantial hardship as a result of the Great Depression.

Growing up, Lloyd’s family moved around often. By the time of the fateful stock market crash, they had relocated to Grand Rapids where his father continued to find work. Changing schools often, Lloyd had a hard time making friends, yet always helped find work to help supplement the family income as a paper boy or selling magazines. Sadly, by the tender age of thirteen, he lost his mother tragically. Lloyd went to live with his cousin in Holland and it was here that he formally accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. During this time, he was attending Wealthy Street Baptist in Grand Rapids where he met his future wife, Barbara Graham. Although they were only fifteen, they hit it off right from the start! Sharing a sincere interest in the Christian faith, their relationship continued during their time apart when Lloyd moved back to Chicago to live with his brother. School was always a bit of a struggle, so Lloyd decided to enlist in the Marine Corps during WWII at the age of seventeen. He proudly served in the South Pacific islands in the aviation division, working on armored aircraft. He and Barb corresponded through letters and once he was stateside, he returned to Grand Rapids to propose! Eager to settle down, they joined in marriage on June 30, 1945, in Santa Barbara, California. Together, they raised four wonderful children; Dayle, Mark, Beth, and Dawn in Michigan.

With a newfound focus on providing for his family, Lloyd returned to school in Big Rapids to secure his teaching certificate. He accepted his first position as a high school instructor at Caledonia High School. To make extra money, he never turned down being involved with school clubs or working side jobs. As a family, they were very involved with their church life. He had a large impact on the youth in the church as a deacon and Sunday School leader. In addition to teaching, he also worked in the insurance industry before returning to the classroom at Wyoming Park High School. He later taught at Davenport and eventually took on added responsibilities as the assistant registrar at Ferris State College. He and Barb continued their active roles in the church and sponsored a college career musical group that toured in Michigan. Ambitious as well as studious, Lloyd earned his doctorate degree in Christian Psychology and Theology. He then took a job with Grand Rapids Baptist College for a few years. Following that experience, Lloyd took a few jobs before landing as the associate pastor at Wealthy Park Baptist Church. He cherished his role as a pastor for seven wonderful years and remained active in the role of full-time ministry for several years.

Retirement afforded him time to seek out many wonderful opportunities. Lloyd was active with DeColores Ministries and the Gideons for many years. He and Barb both moved to Covenant Living in 2011 where she later died a couple of years later after a long illness. The community there at Covenant helped him heal over the years. He was especially thankful for his close friend, Jan Caskey. Lloyd always did his best to serve the Lord. He was forever grateful for his relationship with his Lord who provided so many blessings to him over the years including his role as a father and grandfather. He was also blessed to have Barb as his lovely bride and the tender way she made their home a haven for their children and grandchildren. Devoted to his faith and his family, Lloyd lived his life to the fullest. He sought nothing but to follow in the Lord’s ways and be an example for others. May his family and special friends be lifted up knowing that his love for them will be eternal.

Dr. Lloyd Roger Steinfort, age 96, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Steinfort, his son, Mark Steinfort; sister, Lucy Grimberg; and brothers; Donald, Jerry, Oliver, and Howard Steinfort. Dr. Steinfort is survived by their children; Dayle Steinfort, Beth and Doug Milholin, Dawn and Randy Stephenson; daughter-in-law Patti Steinfort; grandchildren, Rev. Markus (Elizabeth) vonSteinfort, Trevor (Nicole) Brunsink, Rachelle Jovanovic, Rebecca (Shylo) Bean, Heidi Winter, Staci (Mike) Rikley, Mack Stephenson; many great-grandchildren; special friend, Jan Caskey; as well as nieces, nephews and friends. A service to celebrate Lloyd’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11 AM at Oakhill Church, 1930 Leonard Street NE. Friends are invited to visit with Dr. Steinfort’s family on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel and on Tuesday at church beginning at 10 AM. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to either DeColores Ministries of Grand Rapids or Hospice of Michigan. To sign his guestbook and to share a memory, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.