Lt. Col. Henry J Steinke, loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado, on July 24, 2023.
Henry was born January 3, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Henry and Anna Steinke. He spent his childhood north of Milwaukee in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He graduated from Port Washington High School in 1951. From a young age he dreamed of flying airplanes and in 1953, he joined the U.S. Air Force and achieved that dream. While he flew many types of aircraft, the KC135 was his favorite and he enjoyed many hours piloting it. It was in the service that he met a beautiful air force nurse named Collette Jacob. They married in 1963 in Austin, Texas, and enjoyed 55 years together. They have two daughters, Janis and Susan. Henry retired in Austin, Texas, in 1973 after 20 years of service.
Henry had many interests, including golf, woodworking, reading and sports. He inherited his love of baseball from his dad and never tired of watching a game live or on TV.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Collette, and his sister, Marlene.
He is survived by his daughters ,Janis (Norton) and Susan (Patrick), and his five grandchildren, Townsend, Ellory, Marin, AJ and Amelia.
An interment is planned for October 13 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.