Robert Joseph Steininger

Robert Joseph Steininger died Feb.   9, 2009, in  Milwaukee, Wis., while recovering from heart surgery.

He was the husband of Cleetta L. (Halstead) Steininger. Born in Pawnee County, Neb., on Sept. 6, 1923, he was the son of Eugene H. and Clara A. (Wenzl) Steininger, last of Wymore, Neb. He attended Lewiston, Neb., public schools, obtained his teaching certificate, and taught in a one-room school house before enrolling at the University of Nebraska in 1941. He served in the Army Infantry during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  He returned to the University of Nebraska, where he earned his law degree, and then to the Harvard Law School to complete a masters in law.

He practiced as a corporate attorney for Bucyrus Erie, South Milwaukee and Meidinger & Associates, Milwaukee.  In his later years, in private practice, he became a fierce defender of social justice, who tirelessly devoted his time to representing those who could not defend themselves.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Joseph II of Cambridge, Mass., and John Mark of Fort Collins, Colo.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Steininger at the Steinauer Cemetery, Steinauer, Neb., at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. A light lunch at Valentino's in Beatrice will be held after the memorial service.