James M. Steinbruner Sr.

1945 - 2024

James M. Steinbruner, Sr., of Oshkosh, WI, passed away at home on September 4, 2024. Jim was born on November 16, 1945, in Battle Creek, MI, to Joseph and Anne (nee Joyce) Steinbruner. He grew up in Battle Creek, Park Ridge, IL, and Manhattan, NY, before moving to Wisconsin for college and-although he didn't know it-to find love and settle down.

Jim married Shari Gilbertson at St. Joseph's Church in Wauwatosa, WI, on September 22, 1973. At the time, he sported Buddy Holly glasses, a large, toothy grin, and a full head of black hair with long sideburns, and he was ready to take on the world with Shari.

The best friends moved to Oshkosh shortly after the wedding, made friends quickly, and started a family. Jim worked at and later co-owned Teela-Zentner, Inc. before founding Steinbruner Heating & Cooling with his wife in 1995. He's known for his creativity, craftsmanship, and custom-made copper home accents. He loved serving the community and was proud to help his clients. Jim was always happy to take an early morning "no heat call" and rush out the door wearing a knit hat-his "hair piece"-to keep his balding head warm.

When he was younger, he was a member of the Oshkosh Auxiliary Police and the Knights of Columbus. He served as school board president at Sacred Heart School and was active in AFS and other foreign exchange programs, hosting over 10 kids from around the world, many of whom are still in contact. He carried pictures of his "kids" in his wallet.

In his later years, he was most often seen in a knit hat, warm flannels, and always with that goofy grin. Jim volunteered for various local organizations and excelled at raising Tips for Scholarships when "slinging" drinks at Rotary fundraising events. In truth, he used his sense of humor and big smile to charm eventgoers into saying yes. After he retired, Jim worked part-time in the lunch line at Lourdes Academy and was proud to make sure the kids got their veggies-again through smiling and not taking no for an answer.

He was fortunate to travel much of the United States, visit Mexico and the Caribbean, was able to take the family to Egypt for three weeks in 1992, and travel to Europe three times. He nearly never took pictures and enjoyed the world with his own eyes. This past June, Shari and Jim took a Great Lakes cruise, and he rode an e-bike around to view the sites on shore. They also took two trips in his beloved red two-seater Caddy convertible this last summer: along the Great River Road, and to Sunrise Lodge, in Land O' Lakes, WI, where they have been going each summer for decades.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, John (Marg) Steinbruner; as well as by Shari's parents, who loved him like a son; and his sister-in-law, Teri Wegner, whom he loved like a daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Shari; his children, Janet (Martin) Tierney, James Jr. and Jeanne (Joe) Smith; and his grandchildren, Caleb and Alex; as well as by his sisters, Jo-Anne (Jim) Keller and Judy (Hank) Zackin; his sister-in-law, Mary (Dan) Supple; many nieces and nephews; his exchange student kids; and countless friends from around the world who became family.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family recommends a donation to a charity of your choice. Jim especially loved organizations that supported international service and understanding.

Jim's Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, 519 Knapp St, Oshkosh. For those wishing to greet Jim's family, visitation will be 10:00-11:45 a.m. at the church.


Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
1025 Oregon Street
Oshkosh WI 54902
(920) 236-7750