David P. Steinert

David Paul Gedons Steinert, 86 of Tomah passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Serenity House. He was born June 16, 1938, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to Paul and Irene (Gedons) Steinert. He was a member of the Sparta, Michigan High School Graduating Class of 1956. After high school, Dave attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and continued his higher education at Winona State University, Winona, MN. On July 1, 1961, Dave was united in marriage to Joan A. Freiberg at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. During his time in Fond du Lac, Dave was an elementary school teacher and the Fond du Lac Public Pool Summer Manager. He relocated to Tomah in 1967 to accept a teaching position at the Job Corps at Fort McCoy. Shortly after moving to Tomah, the Job Corps closed the Fort McCoy location. He then accepted a teaching position at the Black River Correctional Center. His dedication to education led him to a position within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as the Director of Education and then retired as the Educational Coordinator for State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections Minimum Security Prison System. Dave was very civic minded and enjoyed spending his time volunteering. He was one of the founding members of the Black River Forest Trail Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the cross-country ski trails and facilities. Dave was instrumental in starting the now annual Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe event. He would look forward to and thoroughly enjoy working the event every year. He served as a past president of Oak Grove Cemetery Association. He was an active and dedicated member of the Monroe County Republican Party and was awarded Outstanding Volunteer Campaign Worker in 2018. He was a Tomah Area School District Board of Education Member. He also served as the School Board President. Dave was a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a pillar of the church and had a deep understanding of the church's constitution; he served his congregation as the Chairman several times, as an Elder of Spiritual Growth & Encouragement, Chairman of the Technology Committee, Endowment Committee, as representative to Synod convention more than once, and as a councilman.
Physically active his whole life, he had a passion for combining outdoor activities with family and friends. In the mid 1970's he started cross country skiing. His enthusiasm for skiing led him to participate in the American Birkebeiner & Kortelopet, Norwegian Birkebeiner, and Engadin Ski marathon in Switzerland cross country ski races. Dave and his family were one of the first people to ride on the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail in the late 1960s. He particularly enjoyed riding bicycle throughout the surrounding area with a local group. He rode thousands of miles over the years. Every year on his birthday, he would ride his years in miles. This became a tradition for the bicycle group and included stopping at the same Amish bakery for a treat every year. In addition to riding the local roads, he also participated in numerous races including: the Door County Century (Even at 80 years old), Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, and Firehouse Fifty. He will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan of Tomah, children, Kristine "Kris" (Steve) Nichols of Tomah and Timothy "Tim" (Monica) Steinert of Duluth, MN, grandchildren, Rhianna (Jake) Hanson; their children, Irene and Vera Hanson, Rachael Nichols, Amber (Ryan) Soule; their children, Riley and Andrew Soule, and Caleb (significant other, Emmalie) Steinert, and a sister, Sharon Johnson. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 grandchildren, Kate and Andrew Steinert, a sister, Suzanne Meyer, and nephew Andrew Johnson.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, 12:00 Noon, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Donald Buch and Pastor Mike Jensen will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call for visitation on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
The family requests memorials be given in David's memory to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Monroe County Republican Party or a charity of your choice.