Mary Elsie Steinke

Mary Elsie Steinke (née Hallstein) a devoted wife, mother, and woman of unwavering faith, went to be with her Lord on December 27, 2025 at the age of 91. She was born on March 25, 1934, in Moose Lake, Minnesota, to Margaret (Luedtke) Hallstein and Ernst Hallstein.

Following the early passing of her mother, Mary and her family, including her three brothers, Luther, Stephen, and Charles, and her sister, Margaret (Meg), relocated to Wheaton, MN. Mary attended nursing training in the Twin Cities and worked with adults.

Mary met her dear husband Robert Steinke at a church convention and were united in marriage on July 29, 1962. The couple made their first home on a farm near Gibson, Iowa, where Mary embraced her calling as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Mary and Robert were blessed with six children: David, John, Paul, Daniel, Nathan, and Sara. In 1979, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas. There, Mary continued to faithfully care for her family while also participated in the family home inspection and other businesses.

Mary was a woman of remarkable talents and tireless energy. She enjoyed art, authored The Hard Times Cookbook, and a children’s book titled Princess Calico.

Mary later became a realtor, a career she pursued until her retirement. In 2002, she endured the loss of her beloved husband, Robert, to cancer. Through her grief, Mary leaned on her faith remained active in her church and community. She spent time enjoying her children and grandchildren and traveled to Alaska multiple times to see her daughter and son-in-law. In later years, she welcomed her sister Meg into her home, where they shared many joyful years including a cross Canada train trip.

Mary enjoyed people. When she and her sister, Meg, moved to an independent living community, they were on the welcoming committee and were known as the “M&M’s”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, Robert, and son, John.

Mary is survived by five children: David (Susan), Paul (Yolanda), Dan, Nathan (Melisa), and Sara Goeke (Jonathan). She leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Kristin, Justin, Caleb, Lauren, Megan, Timothy, Micah, Luke, and Robert; and three great-grandchildren: Elijah, Leon, and Charlie.

Mary will be remembered for her steadfast faith, welcoming disposition, and love for her family. She trusted completely in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and her life stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she now rests in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)

The memorial service will be held on Jan 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1530 Kitty Hawk Rd, Universal City, TX 78148. The service will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/crossofchristlutheran.