Galen J. Steinlage

Galen Joseph Steinlage, 91 departed this life, and joined our Lord and Savior on April 9, 2025, at Life Care Center of Seneca in Seneca, Kansas. Galen was born on March 28, 1934, in rural Centralia, Kansas, the second child of Joe and Mary (Brokamp) Steinlage.

Galen lived his entire life in Nemaha County, Kansas. He attended St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas, and the Kelly school. He operated the family farm and worked the land that he loved dearly, alongside his father and brother, Emmett. Galen proudly served his country in the United States Army Corps from 1954 to 1956. After returning home, he continued to farm and raise cattle and other livestock. Galen especially liked horses and enjoyed rounding up cattle for people. Galen drove the Kelly school bus, worked for the Illinois Township driving a patrol car, and served as the Illinois Township Treasurer for 22 years. He was also a member of the sheriff’s reserve during the 1980s.

In 1989, he was united in marriage to Sharon (Shaffer) Walrod, and they made their home in Corning, Kansas. While he continued to farm, Galen also opened a small repair shop where he worked on lawnmowers, welded, and fixed everything brought into the shop. He enjoyed the work, but he especially enjoyed visiting with everyone who came by the shop.

In 1992, Galen ran for and was elected County Commissioner of the 2nd district in Nemaha County. He enjoyed working with and for the people in his district. Galen held this position for 16 years before he retired in 2008. In 2009, he and Sharon moved to Seneca, Kansas. Galen was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 37 of Corning, the Nemaha County Recycling Center, and the Corning Trinity United Methodist Church.

Galen lived and practiced a true Christian life, always ready and willing to help his fellow man. He always saw the best in everyone. Galen loved being with his family, especially his four great-grandsons, and everything was put on hold when the boys came to visit. They talked about tractors and played ball, and the grandsons rode their tricycles along Third Street while Grandpa kept a close and watchful eye.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters, Joan Ronnebaum and Ruth Richardson; his brother, Emmett Steinlage, his nephews, Mike Ronnebaum and Gregory Richardson; and his granddaughter, Melissa Morgan.

Galen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon of Seneca; Debra Morgan of Corning whom he shared the bond of a daughter; his granddaughter, Maggie (Brent) Hunninghake; his four great-grandsons, Kelton, Dempsey, Riggin, and Knox all of Corning; his sister, Cindy Henry of Centralia, Kansas; and his many nieces and nephews.

Galen will lie in state on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas, with a rosary prayed at 6:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Corning Trinity United Methodist Church. Following the service, interment with military honors will be held in the Corning Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Galen kindly requested that memorial contributions be made to the Galen Steinlage Memorial Fund with proceeds designated for those individuals in the community battling cancer, sent in care of the Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, Kansas 66538.