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Please accept my condolences on the death of Dr. Steinmetz. He was my favorite English professor at EIU. I took a class from him which featured Emerson and Thoreau. He made me love them. I will never foregt being in his class and feeling the love he felt for what he was teaching. Every time I saw him, I reminded him that he was one of my favorite teachers of all time. I am now an English teacher and try show my students the passion for literture that Dr. Steinmetz shared with his students...

Becky Lawson

February 09, 2013 | Sullivan, IL

Dear Dr. WLS,
Sorry to hear about your father's death. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Dianne Edington

Dianne Edington

January 25, 2013 | Bismarck, IL

Doris and Family,
Lee helped to start the Charleston Sacred Harp singing group and traveled with Doris to away singings as long as they were able to travel.They made the trip to Wisconsin many times. They often hosted the party for out of town singers at their home when the singing was in Charleston. He was a fine leader and I will always think of him when any of his favorite songs are lead. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jan Ketelle
alto from Wisconsin

Jan Ketelle

January 16, 2013 | Mineral Point, WI

Please accept my sympathy. I was blessed to know Lee through my book store. He was such a fan of all things written. He was always trying a new genre or reading the entire Lakeside Press collection. I dearly loved talking with him. My prayers are with his family.

Diana Sullivan

January 16, 2013 | Mattoon, IL

Prayers and sympathy for the family in the loss of Lee. He was a fine singer and Heaven's choir has gained a new voice.

Judy Mincey

January 15, 2013 | Calhoun, GA

We are going to miss lee in the hollow square of sacred harp singers.

Syd Caldwell

January 15, 2013 | AR

So sorry for the family in the loss of Mr. Steinmetz. May the God of All Comfort be with you in the coming days. (from a Sacred Harp Singer in Hamilton, OH))

Ray Rechenberg

January 15, 2013 | Hamilton, OH

I enjoyed singing with Lee in the choir at Wesley. He will be missed.

Ed Pence

January 15, 2013 | Ellettsville, IN

Lee was a wonderful teacher and a generous, helpful colleague--and an inveterate reader. I remember the great conversations we had about books, old friend, and the many suggestions you gave me for "good reads." You'll be missed.

Bob Funk

January 14, 2013 | Charleston, IL

Marion's Obituary

CHARLESTON, IL – Marion LeeSteinmetz, age 85 of Charleston, passed away at his home on Thursday, January10, 2013. Services honoring andcelebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 atWesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth Street in Charleston with ReverendWalter Carlson officiating. Visitationfor family and friends will be held Tuesday morning for one hour prior to theservices at the church. Interment willfollow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to WesleyUnited Methodist Church. Gifts may be lefton the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams FuneralChapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

Lee, as he was known to many,was born on March 6, 1927 and was the only son of the late Marion B. and LolaL. (Caywood) Steinmetz. He married DorisIone Hamer in 1950. He is survived byhis loving wife, Doris of Charleston; two sons, Dr. William Steinmetz ofDanville, Illinois and Dr. Samuel Steinmetz of Dallas, Texas; threegranddaughters, Julia Steinmetz of New York City, Jamie Steinmetz of Chicagoand Lindsay Steinmetz of Pingree Grove, Illinois and two great-grandchildren,Connor and Chloe Diebold.

Lee grew up on the familyfarm in the state of Kansas. He receivedhis Bachelors degree from Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas and hisDoctorate from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The Steinmetz family moved to Charleston in1959 when Lee accepted a position with Eastern Illinois University as aprofessor in the English Department.

Lee was a member of WesleyUnited Methodist Church in Charleston where he enjoyed singing with thechoir. He enjoyed gardening, playingbridge and various board games. Lee hada passion for reading and was also a Civil War buff. He was a loving and devoted husband to Dorisand a role model for his sons. Hispresence will be deeply missed.

Marion Lee Steinmetz

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