J. Walter Steinke Jr.

1938 - 2025

J. Walter "Walt" Steinke Jr., was born December 10, 1938 to Anne B (Chapek) Steinke and J Walter Steinke in Omaha NE.

Died - October 2, 2025- Papillion, NE. Age 86.

Survived by his beloved wife, Kathy (Hoien) Steinke, they were quite literally 'Side by Side' for 56 years, and also by nine children; Laurey Steinke (Joel Wentworth), John Steinke, Sherry Stevenson (Bob), Mark Steinke (Sherri), Bruce Bodie-Steinke (Jackie), Wendy Boumstein (Jon), Jennifer Steinke, Paul Steinke (Sarah), and Tim Steinke (Erin), as well as over 40 grand and great-grandchildren.

[Mistah!! Youz a Tigah!].

Preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Kaye (Burgess) Steinke (1968); his Beloved Dog, Poppy (2001), daughter-in-law, Anna Steinke (2022); and grandchild, Jay Steinke (2024).

Walt grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from Benson high school in 1956. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned two simultaneous Bachelor degrees, a BS in Mathematics and a BFA in Music, all while supporting his growing family. He held various jobs at Brandeis Dept store, Hospes' Music, Culligan Water, Northwestern Bell Telephone and finally, he proudly bought his own Lindsay Soft Water(Eco Water) business and became an award winning, President's Club salesman and owner for 42 years in Norfolk , NE, where they made their family home. After retiring, they had homes in Lincoln NE, Everett WA, and eventually they settled into his favorite and final home in Papillion NE.

Walt had an extensive classical, opera, Broadway and big band music library which meant the 'Sound of Music' was ever present. Most of his collection was committed to memory to which he'd "air conduct" and sing along. An avid vocalist, clarinetist and pianist, he had a song in his heart for every occasion, which he might break out singing at any moment and he frequently did! He never missed KVNO's "A Joyful Noise" program on Sunday and sing-alongs around the Piano were a highlight of any get together.

Family was Walt's highest priority. Whether rolling on the floor entertaining his giggling kids or grandkids, teaching all of us Pitch(his favorite card game), epic Risk or Monopoly battles, quiet Chess duels or family kickball, softball or basketball games in the backyard, he delighted in playing with his children and grandchildren. And BTW, if your Pitch partner leads with anything other than an Ace/King, he's asking for your highest card.

Ever the grammar cop, "poor grammatical usage was something up with which he would not put, says I!"

Walt was a Nebraska native through and through, following closely Nebraska football, volleyball and he traveled its highways for thousands of miles. He loved The Bohemian Cafe, Godfather's pizza, any ice cream and hand making "Walt's Malts" for his family.

Walt's love for his wife and family was only exceeded by his devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, from whom he's surely getting the full Senior Discount off the Admission to Paradise and probably right now selling The Lord a water softener and an R/O filter to be installed in his Heavenly Mansion. We are quite certain he will be pacing out in front of the Pearly Gates, excitedly rubbing his hands together, laughingly waiting for all of us to joyfully arrive for hugs when that day comes, just as he did every Thanksgiving and Christmas!

A private service for family was held at Brookstone of Papillion. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family at 610 S. Polk, Rm 410, Papillion, NE 68046.

Memorials to KVNO Omaha, In Memory of J. Walt Steinke Jr., 6001 Dodge Street, CPACS 200, Omaha, NE 68182.