John C. Steenbeke

John C. Steenbeke, age 77 of Mishawaka, formerly of Elkhart, passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Friday, July 7, 2023.  John was born December 4, 1945, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Arthur and Augusta (DeWinter) Steenbeke. John was a graduate of St. Joseph High School, class of 1964. On January 4, 1964, he married the former Ms. Linda M. Micinski at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Steenbeke and their children Curt (Jodi) Steenbeke of Munith, Michigan, Ron (Lisa) Steenbeke of Buchanan, Michigan, Matt (Carrie) Steenbeke of South Bend, and Karin (John) Lanning of Mishawaka, along with 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Surviving as well are his siblings Patricia Marsic of South Bend, Tom Steenbeke of Texas, and Joe (Geri) Steenbeke of Mishawaka.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Rosemary (Tom) Kamerer, Dorothy (Ernie) Varda, Joanne (John) Kloski, Angela (Ralph) Weber, Nancy (Dale) Dakins, Bill Steenbeke and Arthur (Lois) Steenbeke.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells). There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 celebration of life service on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home. Interment will be held privately at a later time.

John was employed for over 43 years as a printing press operator at Lithotone, a role he fulfilled with pride and expertise. His commitment to his craft earned him the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of the company.

Outside of work, John's sense of adventure led him to the open roads on his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. He discovered the thrill of motorcycling and passed the love of riding on to his children. Countless road trips were taken, with John leading the way as they explored new destinations together and their love for the open road was forever imprinted on their hearts. John's commitment to motorcycling was evident when he accomplished the remarkable feat of covering 1000 miles in just 24 hours, earning him the coveted "iron butt" patch. He also rode with his wife Linda to Milwaukee, to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Harley Davidson.

John's favorite place in the world was Isle Royale in upper Lake Superior.  He loved backpacking and hiking through the island with his family and friends, and he created memories that will be treasured forever. In addition to his passion for the outdoors, John possessed a talent for carpentry, building birdhouses and working on cars were among his favorite pastimes. His craftsmanship was evident in every project he undertook, leaving behind lasting reminders of his skill and dedication. His family will forever carry his love for motorcycles, the great outdoors, and the value of hard work in their hearts.

In his memory, donations may be made to the Down’s Syndrome Association of Northern Indiana at https://dsindiana.org/give-dsi-care-packages and because John also had a special place in his heart for animals in need, donations may be made as well to Rescue, Release, Repeat online at https://rescuereleaserepeat.org/donate.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of John’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.