Cathrine Steinke
Cathrine Steinke, age 75, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 17, 1949 in London, Kentucky, and spent most of her adult life in Bourbonnais, where she built a life filled with laughter, faith, and family.
Cathy was known for her bright spirit and her unwavering faith in God. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel loved and seen - with her humor, her kindness, and her ability to bring joy into any room. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Cathy's happiest moments were spent with her family. She cherished coffee dates with her granddaughters, long conversations with loved ones, and the simple joy of being together.
Her strength and faith guided her through life's hardest seasons, and her love for the Lord was reflected in all she did. Cathy was an active and beloved member of her church family under Pastor Dennis and Lady Quina Winborn, where she found both friendship and purpose.
Cathy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrick Steinke; her sons, Jacob and Michael Steinke; her parents, Luther and Violet Johnson; her father and mother in law Joseph G. and Lucille (Bydalek) Steinke; her siblings, Edna Thall, Ruby Sohn, Henry Johnson, Hobert Johnson, William Estill Johnson, and Martha Marie Hammons; her brother-in-law, George Steinke; her sisters-in-law, JoAnne Steinke, Catherine Denoyer, Laurie McAndrews and Lynne Blanchette; and her great-granddaughter, Lilly Toepper.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Savannah (Christian) Straw and Sarah (Nathan) Toepper; her great-granddaughters, Vivian and Josie Toepper; and her former daughter-in-law, Julie Hanhart, who remained a special part of Cathy's life. She is also survived by her siblings, Earl Gene (Gloria) Johnson, Marvin Ray Johnson, Maggie Irene Whitaker, Zelma Mearl (Charlie) Hensley, Eulean Sowder, Evelyn (Frank) Powell, Brenda Kaye (Tom) Doty, and Linda Lou Cawood; her brothers-in-law, Paul (Andrea) Steinke, Daniel Steinke, and John McAndrews; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Cathy will be remembered for her deep love of family, her joyful heart, and her steadfast devotion to her faith.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at Clancy Gernon funeral home in Bourbonnais, IL. led by Pastor Dennis Winborn. Inurnment will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7.
Memorials may be made to the family wishes.
Please sign her guestbook at
www.clancygernon.com.
Published by Daily Journal on Nov. 5, 2025.