John Mark Steininger

1957 - 2013

Steininger, John Mark Passed away September 12, 2013 at age 55 at home of a heart attack. Loving husband of Jennifer Lowry for 18 years. Cherished father of Mark, Peter, and Fei. Further survived by his brother, Robert Joseph II and family of Cambridge, MA and family and friends around the world. John was born November 5, 1957, the son of Robert Joseph and Cleetta Luree Steininger (nee Halstead), last of South Milwaukee, WI, both now deceased. He was a 1975 graduate of South Milwaukee High School, and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he received his BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering, graduating in 1980. He began his career at Bell Labs in Pennsylvania. He worked as an integrated circuit designer for analog equipment, most notably, cell phone related designs for more than 30 years. He moved to Fort Collins in 1990 to work at Comlinear Corporation, now part of National Semiconductor. Over the last 12 years, John worked as an independent contractor and consultant for various companies, including Black Sand Technologies, while helping to raise his three children. In 2010 he created a start-up company, a spin-off of his first company Sonopro, which produces micro-financed solar powered lights (Divi lamps) for people in third world countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. His volunteer work included the start up of public radio station KRFC in Fort Collins, serving on the Board of Directors, mentoring students at Colorado State University and serving at Plymouth Congregational Church. He was a life long amateur radio operator, call sign WB9DUN. A memorial service for John was held at the family's church on September 19, 2013. In honor of John's life, donations can be made to the Arlington Academy of Hope School, aahuganda.org in Uganda or to Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Collins. John was a natural wit with a generous heart. His earthly light was extinguished as he worked to bring light to developing countries. A celebration of John's life will be held November 3, New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden St., in Fort Collins. Please share your memories with the family at either at Caringbridge.org/johnsteininger or send to 820 Gilgalad Way, Fort Collins, CO, 80526.