RUSSELL STEINKE

I also went to high school with Jim. I remember him as a very friendly and talented musician. Roger Tonovitz

I too went to high school with "Bud." We were good friends in our junior/senior years and he always made me laugh. I had heard he was ill awhile back and tried to contact him but my letter was returned. I wanted him to know that I was thinking about him and how much his friendship meant to me. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Janet Raifsnider, Bellevue, Ohio

I also went to high school with Jim. We had a lot of the same classes together.Jim always sat in front of me because they put us in alphabetical order. He seemed shy, but yet he was so sweet and kind. He always had something nice to say and had a way about him-gentle,easy going. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and love ones and of course, with Jim.
Mary Jo Ware(Hanne)Auburn, Alabama

I remember Russell as Jim. We went to high school together in Bellevue, Oh. He was such an easy going guy, always smiling. What a talent! My smypathy to all his loving family and friends.
Respectfully, Mary Ann (Frank) Bell

I remember Jim (Russell) from high school. I carry a picture of his smiling face in my mind.He was always smiling and so easy going. What a talent he was! You have my sympathy. Respectfully, Mary Ann (Frank) Bell.

To me, Russell was "Buddy," the youngest of the three brothers in the Steinke family across the street. Thinking of him brings back fond memories of kickball in the street, hide-and-go-seek, and board games in cool basements. I offer sincere condolences to those who loved him and special thoughts for his family, who are going through what must be an an especially sad year.

I knew Russell, known then as "Jim", since high school in Bellevue OH. He was always fun to be with and had an exuberance for life. Even then, he knew he needed to be in NYC & I'm glad he fulfilled his dreams. As I'm writing this, I can recall the wonderful sound of his laugh. My thoughts are with all Russell's friends and family.

September 30,2010
High School at Bellevue for me was where I met "Bud". He loved his friends unconditionally and performing with him and being a part of the group that did everything together was a loving part of my life. When he decided to move to New York to "find himself" is where he learned to paint, and I can't even imagine him cooking- it must have been an unmeasureable physical fiasco! I love reading all the comments from his NYC friends. I will cherish the memories, celebrate...

Russell was my best friend. No one advocated for or understood me better. He saw capacity in me that I didn't. He always cut straight to the truth with humor, intelligence, and passion. Russell could articulate complex ideas as though he were writing with speech. One would be hard pressed to find a better listener. He gave you that rarest of gifts: his undivided attention. My favorite Russellism: "It's hard being a person." I have several of his paintings and I'll remember him fondly and...