Catherine E. (Griffin) Steinke

Catherine E. Steinke, 86, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 1:15 p.m. December 24, 2023 at her son's home in Celina.  She was born on June 7, 1937, in Lewisburg, to Virgil L. & Esther M. (Jordan ) Griffin, who have preceded her in death.  On October 31, 1959 she married Donald L. Steinke, who survives.

Survivors also include two sons, Jeffery Allen & Sonya Steinke, of St. Marys and Kirk Douglass & Meredith Steinke, of Celina; son-in-law, Jack Kuhn, of Ft. Wayne; 12 grandchildren, Vanessa & Chris, Rosalie & David, Jonathon & Lashey, Joel, Michael, Emily & Andrew, Jericho, Nicole & James, Shane & Rachel, Chelsey & Josh, Haley & Jeremy, Caleb; ten great-grandchildren, Tucker, Madelyn, Edison, Hudson, Caden, Carson, Tyler, Elyse, Aria, Brooks; sister, Evelyn Hix, of Dayton; and half-sister, Hildred Howell, of Sante Fe.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela L. Kuhn; son, Allen L. Steinke; sister, Mary Lou Longman; and half-sister, Margaret Schultz.

Following her marriage to Don, Catherine settled into life as a wife and mother, a role she truly loved.  She was proud to be able to stay home and raise her growing family.  When the kids were young, she tended to a large vegetable garden, using that harvest for home cooked meals.  Catherine also ran Steinke's Bee World, while Don worked at Ford, passing that knowledge on to their kids as they got older.  In later years, Catherine's vegetable garden transitioned to flowers and she loved seeing her blooms all through spring and summer.  When she wasn't taking care of children or tending the garden, Catherine kept her hands busy crafting.  It didn't matter the material or medium used, arts and crafts brought her great joy.

Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.  Father Michael Willig will officiate and burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Freyburg.  Family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Everhardt Hospice.