Donald Steiner

Donald Steiner was a kind, fun-loving man who enjoyed fishing, telling jokes, and listening to polka music. Although he was dedicated to his work, as well as organizations such as the American Legion and the Cara Club of St. Alphonsus, everyone knew that Don’s first priority was his family. Don was a provider in the true sense, contributing love and emotional support as well as an income; his wife and children knew that they could count on him for help in any way, at anytime.

In the late 1920’s, the nation was riding out a wave of unprecedented economic prosperity. Filled with enthusiasm, Americans were delighted by Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight from New York to Paris as well as the first demonstration of television. Into this heady mix of new beginnings and apparently unlimited potential Donald V. Steiner was born on January 29, 1927. Donald must have somehow absorbed this joyful atmosphere, for his outgoing, happy personality remained reminiscent of 1920’s America throughout his life. As he grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, Donald enjoyed the love and support of his parents, John and Mary (Reska) Steiner. Like most curious young boys, Donald led a rough and tumble existence, getting into his share of scrapes throughout the years. When the time came to enroll in school, he attended the local elementary school in Big Rapids.

Tragically, both of Donald’s parents died around the same time when he was only sixteen years old. His extended family supported him during this difficult time; his aunt, Mary Miras, invited Donald to live in her home on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Once he had moved into his new home, Donald started attending Catholic Central High School. He successfully completed his education, graduating with the class of 1945. It was also at this time that the United States was embroiled in the Second World War. Responding to the call of duty, Don joined the U.S. Army immediately after his high school graduation. He served his country until the end of the war when he was honorably discharged on November 19, 1946. Upon his return to Grand Rapids, Don discovered that his adventures were not over. With the help of some match-making friends, Don made the acquaintance of Mary Catherine Brechting, a nurse who preferred to be called Cathy. After a three year romance, Don and Cathy became engaged. Friends and family gathered to witness the marriage ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on September 8, 1949.

The young couple moved into a small apartment in Grand Rapids and Don was hired by the Dohler Jarvis Co. Although he started on the assembly line, his work ethic and responsibility would ensure his promotion to foreman, inspector, and finally supervisor throughout his thirty years of employment. Later the family moved back into Don’s old home on Leonard Street where they would live for forty-two years. In their free time, Don and Cathy enjoyed raising a small garden which included tomatoes, corn, beans, and raspberry bushes. In 1952 they were blessed with a son, the oldest of five children: Mike, Ruth, Mary, Mark, and John. Donald delighted in his children. When they were young, he loved to play rough and tumble games with them after a hard day’s work. All the kids remember his distinctive dinner-time whistle – the whistle that said, “You’d better get home, NOW!” Both Don and Cathy were very supportive of their children always making time to go see one more sporting event. The family enjoyed vacationing, often visiting relatives at Half Moon Lake during the summer. They also relished trips to Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, and Disney World in Florida. Don and Cathy enjoyed traveling on their own, too, visiting Branson, MO, Las Vegas, and Manistee. Confirmed polka addicts, the pair went to polka dances, polka cruises, polka festivals, and even polka bus trips.

After Don’s retirement, the couple continued to live in Grand Rapids. Reluctant to stop working entirely, Don helped out at his daughter-in-law, Dianna's upholstery shop a few days each week. He also bought a cottage on Upper Lake in Sand Lake, Michigan. However, after a few years the maintenance of two houses became too arduous and they sold the cottage. In 1996 Don experienced a mild heart attack which slowed him down a bit but didn’t stop him. Seven years later an aneurysm was discovered which would need both a bypass surgery and a surgery for the aneurysm itself. The bypass surgery went well; however, Don never recovered from the aneurysm operation.

Donald died at Butterworth Hospital on Thursday, February 19, 2004, at the age of seventy-seven. Don’s family includes his wife of fifty-four years, Mary Catherine Steiner; his children, Mike (Elva) Steiner of Corpus Christi, Texas, Ruth (Charlie) Hoch of Coopersville, Mary Maciejewski of Grand Rapids, and fiancé, Ross Rockwell, Mark (Denise) Steiner of Grand Rapids, and John (Dianna) Steiner of Cannonsburg, Michigan; nine grandchildren; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bernard and Florence Brechting, Dorothy and Pete Jalowicz, Margaret White, Arlene and Joe Klein, and Dan and Judy Brechting; and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Friends may join the family for visitation from 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, and from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday with the rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. A mass of Christian burial and committal services will be celebrated in St. Alphonsus Church on Tuesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. To read Donald’s life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Education Fund of St. Alphonsus School, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com. Don will be lovingly remembered for his dedication to his family, his kind and caring nature, and his wonderful sense of humor by all those who were lucky enough to know him.