Nicholas James Steinke

Nicholas James 'Nick' Steinke, age 33, of Shiloh, Ill., born February 5, 1988 in Lincoln, Neb., passed away peacefully Monday, December 27, 2021 in Dorsey, Ill., with his family and friends at his side.
Nick grew up in Belleville, Ill., in the Signal Hill neighborhood. While a student at Signal Hill Elementary School, Nick was awarded the Kyle Biegler Character Award, which was just a glimpse into the man he would become. Nick benefitted greatly from his time as a Little Brother with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. A gifted thespian, a talented woodworker, and a steady friend to all, Nick touched many lives. He graduated from Belleville West High school, where he played soccer. He continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, earning his business degree, and where he was a member and Past President of Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. He was the go-to guy for support of various projects, and he continued to maintain his many childhood and college friendships. It was at SIUE, as a freshman, that Nick met Amanda, who would become his best friend and wife. They were married September 12, 2016.
Nick was a longtime woodworker who crafted amazing pieces of art, from simple birdhouses to benches, potting tables, and a beautiful jewelry armoire for Amanda. For 7 ½ years, Nick was employed as a groundskeeper at Edwardsville School District, where he was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for his hard work.
He was preceded in death by his father, David John Taboada.
Surviving are his wife Amanda "Mandi," nee Seifert, Steinke; his two fur children Tidus (10-year old English Mastiff) and Penelope (8-year old German Shepherd); his mother, Laura (Jeff), nee Steinke, Abel; his parents-in-law, Robert and Elizabeth Swalwell, and Megan Pelletier; his brother Robert (Taylor) Steinke; his sister, Rachelle Lynn; brothers-in-law Robert (Emily) Swalwell, Mason Seifert; maternal grandparents Marvin and Karen Steinke and Patricia H. Emile; grandmother Judy Pearson; nephews Parker and William; aunts and uncles Jon (Angie) Steinke, Ben (Hillary) Steinke, Melody Taboada, Brad (Alice) Roberts, Dan (Cindy) Maloney, Bill (Erica) Swalwell, John (Lisa) Swalwell, Jim (Jill) Swalwell; Anthony (Susan) Cannatella, Charlie Taboada, Todd Pelletier, Brent (Mary) Pelletier; grandparents-in-law Don (Karen) Pelletier, and Patricia Swalwell; many cousins and many friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors, surgeons, and nurses who helped Nick at Siteman Cancer Center and BJC Hospital, for their bravery, strength, and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to BJC Hospice.
Celebration of life: The family will receive friends from 11 am – 5 pm, Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Bel-Air Banquet, 200 South Belt West, Belleville, Ill. Please enter at Banquet Entrance, located at rear of building. Guests will be invited to share a story or their favorite memory of Nick.