Katherine "Irene" Steiner

Katherine “Irene” Steiner, 94, a resident of St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, passed away onJanuary 15, 2009.She was born on April 17, 1914, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the first child of Leonard and Sophie Wilczek Johnson. She was always known as Irene by family and friends.On Christmas Day in 1940, she married John U. Steiner. Irene was the mother of five children, with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.Irene always had a ready smile, with a gentle, thoughtful, tolerant, and generous nature; full of sweetness and kindness, tough as nails when called for, supportive of those she loved and admired. Irene had strong beliefs she lived by – she was a giver, not a taker; she believed if you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything at all; honest, trustworthy, privately spiritual, and if she said she was going to do something, she did it.She led a very rewarding life. The love and care of her family was always her primary interest. Irene had many other loves: girl’s vacations, fun socks, magazines, eating out, dark chocolate and bananas, hats, greeting cards, flowers, cows, and solitaire. She collected many things reminding her of times gone by, such as dolls, Blue Willow china, or things “just to put somewhere”. She loved to go for a ride to Gillies for a junior hot fudge sundae or to Culvers for a hot dog with hot mustard and raw onions.Irene loved all those things and much more. To have known her was to love her. Her family and friends cherished her and honor Irene’s life.She is survived by her five children: John W. (Carole) Steiner of Milwaukee, Kathi (Harold) Breit of Fond du Lac, Nancy (Robin) Bickle of Texas, Tom (Lisa) Steiner of Alaska, Mary Floyd of California; five grandchildren: Laurie Breit Timm, Jeff Breit, Jason Steiner, Dean Steiner, and Robert Floyd; six great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Fred (Evadne) Steiner of Minneapolis.Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John U. Steiner on February 26, 2003; her stepfather, Raymond Mason; a brother, William “Bud”; and a grandson, Harry Floyd.Goodnight IreneThere will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park on St. Anthony Boulevard in Minneapolis. Her family will gather in celebration of her life.Irene’s family wishes to thank the caring people at St. Francis Home for their many kindnesses and prayers given to Irene and her family.

Katherine "Irene" Steiner

April 17, 1914 - April 17, 1914