Obituary of John Kendall Steinbeck

    John Kendall Steinbeck was born in Primghar, IA on December 17, 1951 to Garland and Anne Steinbeck of Hartley, IA. John grew up and attended school in Hartley where he played football and worked on the family farm. He wrestled and played football at Central College in Pella, IA where he graduated as a chemistry major. There he met his wife, Mary (Ter Beest) of Hull, IA, whom he was married to for nearly 44 years.

    John taught all sciences at Sutherland High School; chemistry, physics, anatomy, and biology at Spencer High School, as well as holding the position of wrestling coach. After teaching for a total of 8 years, John began farming full-time with his father and brother, Gary.

    John and Mary raised their children on the farm outside of Hartley and were passionate about gardening and rock landscaping together. The last 10 years, John and Mary have devoted their time and energy to caring for their son at home.

    John enjoyed bow hunting, growing his tomatoes, scuba diving with Mary, deep sea fishing with his son, watching science and history shows - he especially enjoyed cheering on the White Sox and the Bears. He and his daughter, Sara, also shared a strong interest in St. Louis Blues hockey over the years.

    John's infectious and positive energy gave him the ability to always find the fun approach to life as he traveled, made friends with strangers, and inspired everyone in his life. He greeted every sunrise with a smile and a song. His strong faith, independence, and selfless drive to take care of others were guiding forces in John's life. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor are key traits that everyone will continue to remember best. John leaves behind a large community of friends and family who will all miss him dearly.

    He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his two children: Sara of Rock Island, IL, and Drew of Hartley, IA; his brother, Gary Steinbeck (Julie) of Hartley, IA; his sister, Becky Hubbard (Ron) of Williamsburg, VA; his sister, Rise' Stalker (Jim) of Batavia, IL; as well as 15 nieces and nephews.

    Preceding him in death were his parents, Garland and Anne (Oostenbrug) Steinbeck; his mother-in-law, Elaine Ter Beest; his brother-in-law, Bob; his paternal grandparents, John and Myrtle Steinbeck; his maternal grandparents, Garret and Jenny Oostenbrug; several aunts and uncles; and his infant son, Jason Steinbeck.

Celebration of Life

John K. Steinbeck

Born ~ December 17, 1951

Died ~ January 18, 2018

Age ~ 66 years  1 month   1 day

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 20, 2018

2:00 p.m.

United Methodist Church  

Hartley, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Kevin Gingerich

               Rev. Marcia Sietstra

Pianist ~ Julie Back

Musical Tribute

Emily Rockhill

"Untitled Hymn"

Congregational Singing

Processional ~ "Onward Christian Soldiers"  #575

                         "In Christ Alone"

                          "I'll Fly Away" - CD

Recessional ~ "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" - CD

Ushers

Mike Donnenworth  ~  Randy Kramer