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David Steinacker Obituary

David James Steinacker May 13, 1949 - January 29, 2010 David James Steinacker, 60, of State College, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He was born May 13, 1949, in New Brighton, a son of John Steinacker and the late Doris (McCullough) Steinacker. On Aug. 29, 1970, in Freedom, he was married to the former Molly Holt, who survives at home. He had retired as a health and physical education teacher at Mount Nittany Middle School and previously had been a teacher at Park Forest Middle School, with more than 30 years of teaching accumulated. He also coached softball, baseball, wrestling and football for the State College Area School District. Dave was of the Christian faith. He found joy in the small things in life and deeply embraced them. He had an immense love for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and cutting wood; but his greatest love, pride and joy came from his wife, his daughters and his beloved granddaughter. In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by three daughters, Megan S. Heitzmann (Colin) of Rockville, Md., Anne Steinacker, of Annapolis, Md., and Kimberly S. Cavanaugh (Seth), of South Riding, Va.; his stepmother, Mildred Steinacker; two sisters, Patty Wachter (Skip), of Dauphin, and Peggy Long (Tim) of Palmyra; one brother, George Steinacker (Carol) of Rochester; one stepsister, Diane Olpere (Dan), of North Wales; one stepbrother, Dale Beighey (Joyce), of Fombell; and his cherished grandaughter, Madison Heitzmann. A public visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Tussey Mountain Lodge, 341 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg, with the Rev. Carl Campbell officiating. Following the Celebration of Life Services, friends and family are encouraged to remain and share his favorite meal with us. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902-2986. A guest book can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Centre Daily Times on Jan. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Steinacker

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Crissy Bieber (Burke)

February 14, 2010

Dear Steinackers,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! You will all be in my prayers. What a wonderful man, coach, teacher, friend. I have thought of him over the years with a smile. I recently lost my mom, in December, and I know the hurt and saddness you are feeling. It is a small comfort to know they are no longer suffering, but it doesn't ease the pain of losing them. Please take care.

February 14, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Dave's family. I enjoyed my formative years with both Dave & Molly at Freedom High School. Great people!
"God Bless" - Don Broman

Roslyn Contis

February 6, 2010

Dear Molly and Family,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Dave's illness and that he recently passed away. I respected him as a teacher and enjoyed working with him during our tenure with the SCASD. He was so proud of his family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Lexxi Bell-Shea

February 5, 2010

Dear Megan and family, Just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Your dad was such a caring person and a wonderful teacher. God bless all of you.
Lexxi Bell Shea

Megan Shirk

February 4, 2010

I can still see Mr. Steinacker on the soccer sideline; he rarely missed a game. He was one of our biggest fans. He was always encouraging to each and every girl on the team. I will always remember and cherish the time we spent joking with one another during class and talking about the latest or upcoming soccer games. My thoughts and prayers are with the Steinacker family.

Donna Biagianti Wright

February 4, 2010

Dear Molly and Family,
It was through our "friends" on Facebook that I learned of Dave's illness and passing. It has been quite a journey, hasn't it? -- from high school sweethearts to today and all the joys and bumps in the road along the way. I can't imagine there's any true way to prepare for the loss of a spouse. When my dad died at age 83 after 59 years of marriage, my mother said they didn't have enough time together - and I believe her. The good news is that Dave is in one of those mansions prepared for all of us and we will all meet again.

Jennifer LeClair

February 3, 2010

Mr. Steinacker was one of my favorite teachers at MNMS! He had a great sense of humor and truly cared about all of his students! He will surely be missed by many! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of terrible sadness. God Bless!

Jamie (McCrea) Featherer

February 3, 2010

Mr. Steinacker was one of the few teachers at MNMS I truly enjoyed - he had a quiet sense of humor, and was quick to smile.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

February 3, 2010

Dear Molly, My heart breaks for you because I know your heart is broken. I know you and Dave loved each other more than words can say. Dave had more quality of life in his final days because of you. He was so blessed to have you. I am sure you were the wind beneath his wings. You had to love him enough to let him go. I know the courage that took.
I know this road you are now traveling. I give you no advice We each had to do what gave us comfort and got us through the day. You will find your way.
Dave was a wonderful Godly man. You have 50+ years of great memories, three beautiful daughters and Madison.. Grandchildren are the best part of being a Mom. I hope as the years go by you have many beautiful grandchildren....spoil them all.
Molly, allow the girls and others to help and care for you a little. I think it is their way of grieving. Cry when you want to and "laugh". Remember the funny things. You will move on and Dave will be proud of you. It will take courage, faith and much love from others. You my dear Molly have an overflowing cup of all those things.
I am so very sorry.
God Bless,
Linda Young, Rahn

February 3, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Steinacker was a good man and will be missed by many.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

CP Musser

Aaron Myers

February 2, 2010

Molly, Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dave touched my life both as a teacher and a person. You will be in my thoughts.

Mellissa Hettich

February 2, 2010

Mr.Steinacker was an amazing guy. His positive attitude made anyone believe they could succeed in whatever they tried doing. I only hope people will look at me, the way I looked at him. I think god has big plans for such a great person in heaven.

Matt, Molly, Charlie, and Addie Olson

February 2, 2010

Please know that the entire Steinacker family is in our prayers. I have known the family for a long time, being great friends with Megan and Colin. Dave was a great teacher and man and will be missed. -Matt, Molly, Charlie, and Addie Olson

Matt, Molly, Charlie, and Addie Olson

February 2, 2010

Please know that the entire Steinacker family is in our prayers. I have known the family for a long time, being great friends with Megan and Colin. Dave was a great teacher and man and will be missed.

Bob Zonts

February 2, 2010

Dear Mrs. Steinacker and Family,

I was shocked and obviously incredibly saddened to receive a phone call today from a friend with regard to Mr. Steinacker. I had the honor of being part of his niece's wedding, (Sara), and could not have been more pleasantly surprised to see him there and find out he was Sara's Uncle! I had not spoken with or had the opportunity to see Mr. Steinacker for many years prior to that. To repeat what has been mentioned in many of the other condolences, Mr. Steinacker was a tremendous teacher (of mine too!) at Park Forest, but also an awesome guy to simply want to hang around with, realizing he really cared for the students and knew how to meet kids where they were. I cannot say enough what a thrill it was to see him after so many years. Most importantly to know, and in the midst of the obvious grief of losing a loved one, that he is in fact resting and thriving with his Creator, His Savior, His Lord, and His Friend. Not of course because I or any of us say so, but as you know because this is an amazing promise from God Himself. I was SO excited when he shared his faith with me at the wedding, and because of this we also celebrate with and for your family. Again, SO sorry for your loss, and at the same time, I pray God's peace that passes all human understanding comforts you all as you also remember and celebrate with each other what an incredible legacy God clearly has left in and through Mr. Steinacker's life for SO MANY people to be touched and changed by, ultimately honoring and gloryfing God. Moreover, to know that you too will be together once again, by God's grace - through personally embracing the gift of His Son. Please do not hesitate to let me know if ANYTHING me or my family can do for you all.

Nicole (Thiel) and John Toner

February 2, 2010

Steinacker Family,
I am saddened to hear of your great loss. Your husband and father is one of the sweetest people I've ever known. He touched so many lives through school and coaching sports. He was my favorite teacher through out Junior High and always followed me playing softball in High School after Anne graduated. His smile was contagious and he cared deeply for all of his students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.

Bob Williams

February 2, 2010

Molly and Family

I am so saddened at the passing of Dave, and offer my condolences to you. Having worked with Dave for nearly 30 years, I learned to respect him as an individual, as well as a professional. May the Lord bless you all in this time of special need.

Bruce & Mary Johnston

February 2, 2010

Molly and the Steinacker family,

We are so sorry to hear that Dave was called to be with our Lord. Dave was a wonderful neighbor and great to be around. He always had something to say that would brighten our spirits and make a cloudy day look brighter. Our neighborhood has lost one of its brightest stars.

May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.

Colin Reasinger

February 1, 2010

I was saddened to hear this morning that Mr. Steinacker had passed away; he was one of the kindest teachers I had while a student at Park Forest Middle School. I distinctly remember looking forward to having him for class each and every day, which is saying a lot when you are a 13-14 year old teenager. I used to get to class early to exchange in a little verbal sparring with him; his quick wit and humor were always a step ahead of me. I also had the pleasure of growing up and graduating with one of his daughters, and he was obviously just as good a parent as he was a teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Steinacker family during these most difficult times.

Genia Harpster

February 1, 2010

Dear Anne and family,

I have never had a teacher touch my life they way your father touched mine. He was honest, loving and very compassionate. He was a man that I looked up to and loved very much. I admired him for the things he had done for many; he was such a giving man. The most important lesson that I learned from your father is how to give second chances and to know that what is on the inside of a person is more important than what you might see on the outside. I feel so truly blessed to have known and shared in your father's life. He will be greatly missed and may the many wonderful memories help to ease your pain. God bless you and your family at this very difficult time! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

“God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around him and whispered, “Come along with me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fad away. Although we loved him dearly, we could no make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!”

With all my love,
Genia

Scott Schwab

February 1, 2010

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tory Ballenger

February 1, 2010

My deepest Sympathy goes out to the Steinacker family...Mr Steinacker was one of my most favorite people, all thru my teenage years. He helped me in so many ways with little sayings or just little word of encouragement. He will be greatly missed.

Dawn LaBorde-Goshorn

February 1, 2010

Mr. Steinacker was one of the most influential teachers I ever had at Park Forest Junior High. He was kind, funny and always had a contagious smile. He will most certainly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at a time of such tremendous loss of a truly amazing man and person.

Deb Dixon

February 1, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Neff Family

February 1, 2010

I had David in homeroom at Park Forest and my sister went to school with Kimberly and had David for Health. He was a good man and when he saw you down he was quick with a joke to liven you up. He's be missed by all.

Cyndi Lavin

February 1, 2010

Of the many fabulous teachers at Park Forest Junior High, Dave Steinacker was truly a gem. My prayers are joined with others for peace and comfort for all of you who love him.

February 1, 2010

Dear Molly and family: We were so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. What a wonderful man. We always enjoyed our time with you guys when our daughters played softball. Even though they were usually on opposite teams Dave always had a compliment for B.J. and she always commented on what a nice person he was and what it meant to her that he would take the time to talk to her, especially since she was playing on the opposite team. He was truly our connection to softball at State College. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Mary Wetzler, Bellefonte, PA

Mary Kay Montovino

February 1, 2010

This community has lost a truly wonderful person in Dave . . . I worked with Dave at MNMS during his tenue with the SCASD. He was a kind, caring teacher and a very proud father. You could hear the pride in his voice when he spoke of his girls. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless . . .

Susan Grow

February 1, 2010

Dear Molly and Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the memories you share, the joyful times you shared as a family and knowing that you wil be together again.

Sue Grow

January 31, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of Daves passing. I worked with Dave at MNMS. He was a great teacher and a good friend. I always enjoyed talking to him. He will truely be missed. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May God Comfort You in time of need. Kathy McVay

Tammy Stoner-Struble

January 31, 2010

Mr Steinacker was one of my favorite teachers at Park Forest Jr. High School. He was funny and kind and made learning fun. My thoughts go out to his family, as they deal with the loss of this wonderful man.

Betsy Reese

January 31, 2010

Mrs. Steinacker and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student of Mr. Steinacker's when I was in middle school. My fondest memory of him was when he snuck me out of school for a State College softball playoff game. My mom worked for the school at the time, so she gave the go ahead. He was a great teacher. I'll keep you all in my prayers. ~Betsy Reese

gary\vivian poorman

January 31, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Luella McFarland Krieger

January 31, 2010

Dear Molly
I am so sorry to hear that Dave has passed on. I am praying for the comfort of God's arms around you and all your family as you say Good Bye for now.

January 31, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of Dave's passing.
I worked in the kitchen at Mount Nittany Middle School when he was teaching. He had also taught one of my daughters. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Lynn Neidigh

Linda Brown

January 31, 2010

So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.Having lost a spouse I can feel your pain. My prayers are with you.

January 31, 2010

We are so so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dave was a wonderful person and coach whom we respected a lot. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.
Pam & Denny Dunn

Margie Swoboda

January 31, 2010

Hi Molly, Megan, Anne and Kim, I am so deeply sad to hear of Dave's passing. He was always the ultimate professional and I considered him a mentor. He always had the best advice for me when I came to him with a problem. I loved to hear his stories about the girls. He was never shy to tell me what they were all doing and how proud he was of each of them. I will truly miss him; he was one of the best. You are all in my heart and prayers. Margie Swoboda

January 31, 2010

Molly and family,

I am sorry to hear of Dave's death. He was a fine person and I feel as though I am better off having known and worked with him.

Lew Rodrick

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