Gerald “Jerry” A. Steinke, age 82, resident of Willard, Ohio passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 surrounded by his family at his home. He was born on January 2, 1943 in Lakewood, Ohio to the late George and Rose (Moser) Steinke.
A New London High School graduate, Jerry went on to serve in the US Navy for four years during the Vietnam War, being stationed in Japan and the Philippines. Following his service, he came to Willard where he began his career at RR Donnelley & Sons where he worked for over 30 years. Jerry was an active member at Christian Alliance Church in Willard where he was a past deacon and treasurer and participated with the AWANA program and the visitation team.
Most of Jerry’s family and friends would say the best way to describe Jerry would be “sports enthusiast”. Jerry coached volleyball and basketball for Willard City Schools and was a travel softball coach. Following his coaching days, he found great joy in refereeing the local basketball and volleyball games and umpiring the local baseball and softball games. When the local sports weren’t playing, Jerry could be found cheering on his favorite northern Ohio sports teams.
In his later years, Jerry found peace in fishing and fun in playing cards with his retirement buddies.
Jerry’s pride and joy came from being able to watch and coach his girls as they grew up playing ball. After his girls were out of school, he looked forward to following his grandkids sporting events.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Gaye (Layne) Steinke who he wed on September 6, 1968; three daughters, Melissa (Scott) Durbin, Kristina (Mace) Reed and Mandy Carper (fiancé, Jarrod Johnston); ten grandchildren, Logan (Mike) Wenzel; Jake Carper, Carter Reed, Sophie Durbin, Lyla Reed, Finn Reed, Alina Durbin, Brady Carper, Max Durbin and Drew Carper; two brothers, Tom (Peg) Steinke and Bruce Dinse; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his in-laws, Leland and Verna Layne; and three aunts, Marie Chinnicci, Hilda Moser and Kathleen Ilkka.
Family and friends may visit at the Christian Alliance Church in Willard on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. His funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve McKnight officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions can be made to the Willard Athletic Boosters Club. Online condolences can be left for Jerry’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Dick Quinn - Jan 11, 2025
Gaye: Worked with Jerry for many years, and of course enjoyed sharing sports news and stories with him and the rest of the RRD accounting crew. We went to a game or two together with Ken, Bobby and some of the others. We also talked about other life matters and I know that he loved you and your children very much. We'll all look forward to a joyous reunion in Heaven with our loved ones, and the best to you and the family always. - D. Quinn
Bob Dille - Jan 9, 2025
Gaye, so sorry that you have lost Jerry. But I am elated that he knew the Lord and will be waiting for us when the day comes that the Lord calls us home. I sure enjoyed playing softball and flag football with him. We won more that a few games. Bob Dille
Tom & Lucy Hay - Jan 9, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go to the whole family. Jerry and i worked alot of ballgames together. But he was the best .
John and Sue Hall - Jan 9, 2025
Rest in peace Coach Steinke. Our sincerest condolences...Jerry was an integral part of the first two Willard Girl's League Championship Teams in school history serving as my 8th Grade Coach. I have precious memories of watching and talking to him about his competitive teams and the Lady Flashes! He encouraged, challenged, and used his sense of humor to ensure each individuals contribution to the overall team effort. His pride for his teams was only surpassed by the love he had for his wife and children that resonated in almost all of our conversations! His integrity and love of life will be remembered. May God bless you during this difficult time. John and Sue Hall
Paul and Pam King - Jan 8, 2025
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Paul and I both worked with Jerry and know what a great guy he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Mary(Smith) De La Cruz - Jan 8, 2025
Many thoughts and prayers to you Missy and your family may GOD keep you all close in his arms
Bev Ganni - Jan 8, 2025
Gaye and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was such a wonderful person ! Knowing him as another sports parent, a smiling face at RRD and a great neighbor to my dad, was a blessing to my life. May God hold you tenderly as you go through this difficult time. God bless
Ron & Carol Fluharty - Jan 8, 2025
It was my (Ron) good fortune that Jerry and Bobby Doster were two of the first guys I got to know when I came to work in Willard at RRD. Of course, back then, if you got to know Jerry or Bobby, you were going to know the other one because they were almost always together. Over the years I played basketball and softball with Jerry, refereed basketball with Jerry, had Cleveland Indians season tickets with Jerry and even sat in on the lunchtime euchre games at RRD. Carol and I really appreciated Jerry's friendship and his support of our kids when they played sports in high school and college. I am thankful that the last time I got to talk to Jerry I got to see his grin one more time! He will be missed! Prayers to Gaye and the rest of Jerry's family.
Mandi - Jan 7, 2025
Dear Steinke Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was the best softball coach and of course neighbor. I can still remember some of his funny moments. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken Hay - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and family, I played softball with Jerry many years ago. He was a great guy and a friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Pat Schaub - Jan 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. If you need anything please let me know. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Jim and Barb - Jan 7, 2025
Our hearts go out to young. Jerry was the best! He helped my granddaughter at a time that she really needed it. I will forever be grateful to him.
Dawn (Isaac) Wallrabenstein - Jan 7, 2025
Missy, I have tons of great memories of your dad coaching us. Never a dull moment! You have my sincerest condolences. Praying for you, your mom, and your sisters. Cherish all the memories.
Gary Fink - Jan 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jerry passing. Prayers for his family.
Janet Songer - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I met him through working at Donnelleys. He was a great guy - quite the teaser. He will be missed by all who knew him. God be with all of you.
Jolynn Ware - Jan 7, 2025
Dear Steinke Family, my prayers for each of you. I know the pain of loss as so many of the people who posted, I found comfort in knowing God does provide rest and His Holy peace as you endure the loss. May God send all His blessings
Kim (Slone) Miller - Jan 7, 2025
Rest well Coach! You were one of the best and I will always have fond memories of you. Prayers to the family.
Alan Gano - Jan 7, 2025
Prayers to Gaye and her family on Jerry's passing. I worked with Jerry for many years and rooted with him on sports teams. He was happy with the Guardians on their recent great season. I know he was a great father and a fine person. I will miss him greatly.
Don and Sharon Danhoff - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and family, Jerry was truly a great Christian man….strong in his faith, loving his family and loving the Willard community by his contributions of time in coaching, refereeing, etc. His (and Gaye’s) support for the school events was amazing and arguably unmatched. I will miss his smile, his hello, and his friendship. I regret that Sharon and I will be out of town and won’t be able to attend the calling hours or funeral. Rest in peace, Jerry.
Kurt Jump - Jan 7, 2025
I played on a flag football team with Jerry many years ago. He was the best athlete on our team. More importantly than that, he was just a great guy to be around.. Rest in peace my friend.
David Haueter - Jan 7, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Jerry's passing but know that he's in a better place. Jerry was one of my Dad's best friends for as long as I can remember and was a great supporter of my brother and I when we played basketball at Willard High School. I always enjoyed talking with him.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and family, we are so sorry to hear about Jerry. We're very honored to call him our friend. We loved his sense of humor and the many talks about all our girls. His dedication to Willard sports continued after his girls graduated. He was there cheering for our volleyball and basketball teams. You will be truly missed,Jerry. Prayers for comfort to your family.❤️🙏
Mick, Sandi and Michaella O’Brien - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and Family We are so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a wonderful person. God Bless
Linda Doster - Jan 7, 2025
Prayers 🙏 🙏 🙏 and Sympathy to the family. Jerry was such a great friend to my brother Bobby. I can picture Bobby greeting him with open arms.
Fran Smith - Jan 7, 2025
Sorry- it was Clarksfield not Clarksville. Thoughts and prayers
Fran Smith - Jan 7, 2025
Sorry- it was Clarksfield not Clarksville. Thoughts and prayers
Alysun (Brown) Tebben - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and Mandy, and the entire Steinke family, wishing you all comfort and strength. My heart is with you. Coach will be dearly missed❤️
Sue Babione - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye, My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray for the Lords strength and comfort for each of you.
Susie Smith - Jan 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Family. Jerry was such a nice man. 💔
Janet Terveen Moore - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and family. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May memories be your comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Fran and Larry Smith - Jan 7, 2025
Gaye and family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We both worked with both of you at RR Donnelley’s for years. But what I remember was being in a Bible Study with you both and how knowledgeable Jerry was with the Bible and too how we talked about him growing up around Clarksville, where some of my relatives lived. I’m sure you all have so many blessed and cherished memories, hold them close to your heart and find strength and comfort in those memories. Find peace in knowing the Lord will be thee to comfort you all during this time and those moments you miss Jerry most🙏
Mary and Lenny Branham - Jan 6, 2025
Gaye and family So sorry to hear about jerry. He was such a jokester. What a great guy. . Lenny and I are sending thoughts and prayers for you all.
Linda Veletean - Jan 6, 2025
Gaye and family please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Jerry was a very friendly and kind man. Prayers for all of you.
Renee Harris - Jan 6, 2025
So sorry to hear this Gay, thoughts and prayers are with you
Peggy M Opatken - Jan 6, 2025
Jerry was a great coach for our daughter Alyssa. May he rest in peace. Prayers to Gayle and family
