Fabian E. Steinbrecher

FELCH - Fabian Edward Steinbrecher, 94, of W5902 Groveland Mine Road, Felch died Monday, June 4, 2007, at his home. Fabian was born on Oct. 16, 1912, in Swanson, Mich., son of Eugene and Elizabeth (Srnka) Steinbrecher. He was raised in Menominee County and worked as a young boy for his family's dairy farm. Also, as a young man, he worked for the other area farms. On June 25, 1940, Fabian married his wife, Luella (nee Ruggles) and together they started their family in Longlake, Wis. Fabian was always a forward thinker and very positive about his future. He began working in the logging industry and was able to use his earnings there to buy a small farm in Felch where he and Luella eventually moved to in 1947. It is here where Fabian started potato farming. Fabian and Luella made their home on the Groveland Mine Road and together had six sons and two daughters. In 1963, Fabian began building their home. From the beginning of construction, Fabian discovered his love for rocks, marble and granite. He decided to incorporate the materials into more areas of their home, until the finished product became a lasting testament of his passion to geology. Eventually, he also developed an interest in cutting and polishing stones which he found on his land. He took the raw materials and turned them into works of art which adorn his home and yard. Fabian also had a special interest in gardening, particularily in cacti and wildflowers. Fabian also loved to travel with his wife, and they were able to visit Europe, Alaska, Russia, Rome, Moscow, South America and several islands. In 1970, along with his brother, Robert, Fabian was awarded "Farmer of the Year." Fabian was so proud of the accomplishments of his children and grand-children. He was especially pleased to see his legacy of potato farming carried to the next generations. Fabian's lifelong interest in stones, gardening and all his life's experiences made him such an enjoyable conversationalist. Although his family and old friends will dearly miss him, his accomplishments and passions in life will be his legacy. Fabian is survived by his children, Fabian (Ivandra) Steinbrecher of York, Pa., Margaret (Neil) Ort of Appleton, Wis., Carol (Ken) McGaw-Steinbrecher of Dassel, Minn., Carl (Marilyn) Steinbrecher of Felch, Patrick (Judy) Steinbrecher of Felch, Paul (Madelynn) Steinbrecher of Felch, and Scott Steinbrecher of Felch; a brother, Robert (Dorothy) Steinbrecher of Felch; 26 grandchildren, John (Glenda), Russel (Jill), Gail, Frank (Dee), Lee (Kelly), Brent (Angela), Linda (Mark), Chis (Shiloh), Lisa (Chris), Joel (Penny), Alexander (Danika), Fabrianne (Mike), Philip, Christopher, Chad (Becky), Angela (John), Travis, Jeffrey (Susan), Jennifer (Jason), Natalie (Tony), Nicole, Trish, Krista, Miranda, Maggie, and Mollie; 27 great-grandchildren; Mary Pat Steinbrecher of Kingsford; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Fabian was preceded in death by his wife, Luella on April 7, 1994; a son, Frank Steinbrecher; grandsons, Joseph and Douglas Steinbrecher; a great-granddaughter, LoriAnn Bischoff; brothers, Eugene and Wilbur Steinbrecher; sisters, Ruth Steinbrecher, Anita LaCombe, Lucille White, Olive Cappaert and Grace Nolan; and a daughter-in-law, Linda Steinbrecher. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Foster City. Funeral services will be on Friday at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph Church in Foster City. Fr. Dick Mroz will offer the Mass of the Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Foster City Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Fabian's memory to St. Joseph Church in Foster City. Condolences to the family of Fabian E. Steinbrecher may be expressed on line at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements