Andrew A. Steinke

Andrew A. Steinke, 53, of Sodus, Michigan passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 at his home in Sodus.   A celebration of life service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3713 Naomi Road, Sodus, with the Rev. Robert Duehlmeyer officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Friends may visit Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sodus or Michigan Lutheran High School. Those wishing to sign Andrew’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Andrew was born July 6, 1961 to Clarence and Delores (Avery) Steinke in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1979 and then became a master electrician. Andrew married Therese “Terry” Becker on June 26, 1982 in Sodus. He was employed as an electrician at Water Reclamation in Kalamazoo and would have been there 27 years this month. Above all Andrew cherished spending time with his family. He enjoyed spending his time woodworking and fishing. Andrew was a life-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sodus. He was a very active member, serving on many boards and participating in the choir. Andrew is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Therese “Terry” Steinke; daughter, Jennifer (Luke) Italiano of Kenosha, Wisconsin; sons, Andrew (Gretchen) Steinke II of Benton Harbor and Timothy “Tim” Steinke of Sodus; his grandchildren, Nathanael, Lenore and Titus Italiano and August, Grace and Michael Steinke; sister Elaine (Jerry) Sawatzki of Benton Harbor; brother-in-law, George Pica of Benton Harbor; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded by his father in November 1990, mother in December 1998 and sister, Lois Pica in 1981.