Roger Wayne Steinke

Roger Wayne Steinke was born February 23, 1956, in McCook NE, to Harry and Esther (Skraback) Steinke. He was raised on the farm south of Trenton NE. Roger loved the farm life and also loved sports which he played throughout his life. He earned many awards for his activities. He graduated in 1974 from Trenton High School. Roger was an outgoing, friendly fellow who didn't know a stranger. He amassed friends from all over throughout his life. He loved going to Atwood and being with his friends from there. He loved his '68 Chevelle and enjoyed cruising main street. He started working for Finley Construction (Atwood) after high school and remained associated with them, until he moved in 1992. He also went to work at the Colby Post Office. He met Kathy Steele through his mutual friends, the Olson boys, by playing football in the Steele's front alfalfa field. The Steele girls thought he was such a gentleman, because he wouldn't tackle a girl, so they took advantage of that. Roger and Kathy started dating in 1975 and were married April 2, 1977. To this union three children were born: Cory (1978), Scott (1979), and Crystal (1982). They lived in Atwood until 1992. Then moved to Olpe KS when Kathy was promoted to Postmaster there. Roger began working for a construction firm in Emporia, until he was able to be reinstated to the Post Office in Emporia. He became the Postmaster of Cedar Point in 1996 and then promoted to the Postmaster at Lebo in December of 1999. He retired from Lebo in February 2019. Fishing was a cherished past time. He always said, "It was never a bad day if you had a lure in the water." He did tournament fishing in Nebraska with his brother Jerry and then later with his son Cory. He loved going to Lake Kahola to catch those pesky walleyes. He also enjoyed his trips to the sand dunes with Scott. While living in Olpe, he took many friends on these adventures. During his time in Olpe, he became an accomplished bowler and grew to love golfing. He also tried to attend all Olpe Eagle activities. His favorite was celebrating Olpe touchdowns with the shooting of the cannon. When he wasn't cheering on the Olpe Eagles, he was an avid Huskers fan. His long-time running joke was "My blood runs Red, Green and Gold". He gained more friends from all the tournaments that he competed in. He especially loved going to the National Bowling tournaments. He even was able to bowl with his aunt a couple of times in Reno NV. Roger loved watching his seven grandchildren doing anything, but the best for him was sports. Lots of travel to watch them, and he even tried to do it up to the last month of his life. The grandchildren are (Cory's) Mersades, Kegan, and Hayden (Holdrege NE), (Scott's) Kayla and Kinslee (Olpe KS), and (Crystal's) Riley and Olivia (Olpe KS). After retirement he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He passed away on January 9th 2024, in his home while being cared for by Hand in Hand hospice, Chuck Torres, wife Kathy, Daughter and granddaughters, Crystal, Riley, and Olivia, son Scott and daughter-in-law Rebecca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in law, 6 brothers-in-law, and 3 sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife Kathy of the home in Olpe. Sons: Cory (Destinee) of Holdrege NE and Scott (Rebecca) of Olpe KS; and daughter Crystal of Olpe KS. His mother-in-law, Mary Steele, (Atwood KS) Brothers: Jerry (Ginny) Brule NE, Don (Rita) Windsor CO, Richard (Lenora KS), and sister Colleen Horinek (Abilene KS). Brother-in-laws: Bob Steele (Atwood KS) and Terry Steele (Sherman TX) Sister-in-laws: Vicki (Chuck) Radar (Harlan KS), Peggy (Ken) Hiatt (Pagosa Springs, CO), and Sue Steele (Atwood KS). He has numerous nieces and nephews who enriched his life.

A celebration of life will be planned in the spring. Details will be released at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions to Olpe Fitness Park can be sent to Olpe Community Improvement INC, c/o Citizens State Bank, PO Box, 207 Olpe KS 66865.