Leroy Steinke

LeRoy A Steinke, Sr. transitioned peacefully with his immediate family at his side on the 16th of March 2021.

Born on July 7, 1924 in Chardon, Kansas, LeRoy attained the age of 96: less than 4 months shy of his 97th birthday. Approaching the end of his life he said he was “content,” and “looking to the ‘great beyond.’”

LeRoy was one of six children, the eldest son of Frances (Haller) and Louis Steinke. He received his secondary education at St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, Kansas. This experience was crucial in forming his future life trajectory. Following graduation from the academy, he was commissioned as an officer in the US. Army. He served for 3 years during World War II, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Military service remained essential in LeRoy’s life: he went on to serve in the Air Force Reserve for 30 years and supported the military retirement office at O’Hare airport for an additional 20 years.

Although he loved the family farm, wartime injuries left him unable to return to work there with his father. Instead, he earned a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Kansas, became a Certified Public Accountant, and went on to specialize in health care accounting. He enjoyed a robust career in that area.

LeRoy married Connie Herrera on December 27, 1949. They had three children: Mary Frances, LeRoy Jr, and Gerard. LeRoy and Connie retained a friendship and strong family bonds from the end of their marriage in 1979 until Connie’s transition in 2010.

On June 30, 1979, LeRoy married Betty Anderson O’Brien. His marriage to Betty remained fulfilling and happy through the rest of his life. He frequently described his marriage to Betty as ‘wonderful,’ and he took many measures to assure that she would be cared for after his transition.

LeRoy’s service to his country and community extended well beyond his military service. His community volunteer activities were well-known and acknowledged, including his extensive service on the Edgewater Community Council, and on Chicago’s Council on Aging, where he served as both as a board member and as chairman. His contributions to his community were many and varied, including his lead role in converting the former Broadway Armory into the Chicago Park District’s largest indoor recreational facility, conducting seminars to educate local seniors about Medicare options, assisting several small businesses in setting up proper financial and legal structures, and beautifying his immediate neighborhood by planting flowers along Ridge Avenue (in wooden planters he himself built!).

LeRoy became a friend of Bill W’s in 1973 and remained a friend for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed meeting and talking to people and was well liked by those who encountered him.

LeRoy is survived by his beloved wife Betty; sister Marge (Jim) Whisnant, children Mary Frances (Mark) Bushman and Gerard Steinke; granddaughter Danielle (Matt) Neisen; great-grandchildren Leila and Colin Neisen. Extended family includes Jim, Sigrid, and Annika Bushman, Kirsten (Brian) Emery, E. Marie Wines (Larry Ellis), Gerald Phillips (Sharleen Getszman) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son LeRoy Jr., his parents, four siblings, and many other family and friends; all of whom welcome him to his new life.

The immediate family asks you to join us in remembering LeRoy for his many good deeds and for enriching all of us with whom he shared his life.
Burial at Rosehill Cemetery was private. A mass and memorial service will be held later.

Betty has requested donations be sent to the charity of your choice, or to Famous Fido Rescue at 3124 W. Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois.