Submitted by: Dan Rich

John C. Steinhofer

Aug. 23, 1926 - Feb. 17, 2002

South Bend Tribune 2/21/2002

John C. (Jack) Steinhofer, 75, of Ironwood Dr., South Bend, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed quietly from this world on Sunday, February 17 in the Cleveland Clinic. He was born to John M. and Elsie Baker Steinhofer in South Bend and was a life-long resident. His brother, Charles preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irene, daughters, Mary (Jeff) Haas and Barbara (Norm) Hezlep of South Bend; sons, David (Nancy) of Ft. Wayne, Ind., John E. of Kalamazoo, and Paul (Mindy) of Chicago. Also surviving is a sister, Barbara (Elmer) Horvath of Owosso, MI; a brother, Dennis (Terri); 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. John was affectionately know as Jack by family and friends throughout his lifetime. He was a devoted father and husband and was know as a second father to many of his 5 children's friends. He always had a kind word or a bit of advice to help a young person through a difficult time. He was a favorite "Uncle Jack" to many nieces and nephews.

Jack graduated a year early from Washington High School in 1944 to enlist in the US Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Lexington in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned to marry his high school sweetheart Irene Teichman. He graduated from the ACME Institute of Tool and Die Design began work at Ball-Band/Uniroyal where he worked in Engineered Systems designing fuel cells for military aircraft. John retired in 1991 after 43 years of service, the last 10 as Sales Manager of Engineered Systems. Many of the fuel cells John designed are being used in the military today including the cruise missile to stealth fighter. Jack was an avid sports fan who enjoyed Notre Dame Football, Indiana Basketball, the Chicago Bears and White Sox. Jack took great pride in watching his Sons and Grandsons play ball. Jack was also a supporter of his wife Irene's involvement with the Battell Toe Tappers and was know as their biggest fan. Jack was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Church for 47 years and was active in the Knights of Columbus for several years.

Familily and friends may call at the Forest G. Hay Funeral Home at 435 S. Ironwood Dr. today from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Anthony de Padua Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Gibault Foundation (a school for troubled youth) or the St. Anthony de Padua Church.