Russell E. Steiner

Russell E. Steiner, formerly of Plymouth, Indiana and currently living in Bartow, Florida, passed away on December 6th, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida. “Russ” was born March 4, 1926 in Plymouth to the late Harold and Etta Steiner, their only son, with four older sisters - Lois (Sac) Hampton, Judy (Ritchie) Whitesell, Bea (Dale) Faulkner and Betty (Butch) Peabody. An avid athlete, he played basketball and football and ran track for Plymouth High school before his graduation in 1944. He enlisted in the Navy immediately afterward and served as a Signalman, third class in the Pacific theatre of World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He spent his 34 year career working for the Bendix Corporation in South Bend from 1948-1982, working his way through the ranks to become a Manager of Product Support in the Aircraft Brake & Strut Division. He traveled extensively to Air Force bases throughout the country for many years. After his retirement, he moved to Bartow, Florida, where he lived in the Floral Lakes Retirement Community for the next 30 years. He was an avid golfer, bowler, dancer, euchre player, IU and Notre Dame fan and musician. Having played in bands since high school, he continued playing saxophone in a local Florida band through the 1990’s. Russ married his first wife, Jane Quinn, on January 28, 1948 in South Bend, IN. They had four children: Kathleen (Fred) Lintner; Thomas (Colleen) Steiner; Melanie (John) Philippsen, and Deborah Winter (Rick Swanson), all of whom survive. Grandchildren include Jeff Steiner, Stephanie Steiner, Jeremiah (Cassie) Halley, Joel (Melissa) Philippsen, Thomas (Sarah) Philippsen, Hannah (Garrett) D’Ottavio, Benjamin Winter, Mark Winter and Chris Lintner. His five great-grandchildren are Mabel Halley, Everett Philippsen, Abby Steiner, Teagan Steiner and Charlie Chen. He also has a stepson, David Meredith. After Jane’s death in 1969, Russ married Lucia Meredith, to whom he was married until her death in 1993. His loving companion for the last 15 years, with whom he went to school in Plymouth, Joy Klapp, survives. Cremation will take place and there will be a celebration of his life in the spring for family and friends. Memorial contributions may be sent in Russ’ name to The Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arnesen Avenue, Auburndale, FL. 33823.