JOSEPH J. STEINHOFER

April 3, 1924 - Dec. 8, 2012
MISHAWAKA - Joseph J. Steinhofer, 88, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 4:40 a.m. Saturday, December 8, 2012, in the Sanctuary at Holy Cross. Joseph was born on April 3, 1924, in Fort Rice, ND, to Frank and Mary (Koppy) Steinhofer, and had lived in the South Bend-Mishawaka area since 1937. He retired from Herman and Martha News Railroad Bargain Center.

On June 18, 1949, in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church, he married Hermina Fazekas, who preceded him in death on December 4, 1955. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Frank (Fran) Steinhofer and John (Marie) Steinhofer; and one sister, Mary (Ray) Goepfrich.

Survivors include two sisters, Amelia (Walter) Dorn and Theresa (Robert) Mesaros, both of South Bend, IN; a host of nieces and nephews; and many cousins living in Austria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, in St. Matthew Cathedral. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m.

Joseph was a member of St. Matthew Parish. He was a W.W. II Army veteran who served as a sergeant in General Patton's 95th Infantry Division in the European Theatre. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Joseph attended Old St. Mary's Catholic Grade School in South Bend and graduated from South Bend Central High School.

He was an avid Euchre player who always brought laughter to family tournaments. He enjoyed gardening, dining out with his friends and family, walking for exercise and walking the beach at Lake Michigan, crossword puzzles, car trips through the countryside, along with strolls at the Farmers Market and Leeper Park Art Fair. He was also a huge Notre Dame fan. Joseph had many friends who loved to be around him. His love of life, his passion, and his sense of humor were a magnet at any event. Everyone wanted to be with Uncle Joe, even people he just met called him "Uncle Joe." Joseph was admired and respected by his many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Patrick O'Dea, Dr. Robert Devetski, and Lee Ann and all of the nursing staff at St. Joseph Medical Center in Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Cathedral. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 10, 2012

03/03/2023 EJS