Joan E. Steinlage, aged 83, a devoted wife and mother, peacefully passed away on April 19, 2024, surrounded by her husband and children at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

Joan was born on October 1, 1940.  She spent her childhood on a farm north of St. Benedict along Turkey Creek, to Walter and Theresa (Fangman) Stallbaumer. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and St. Mary’s High School in St. Benedict, graduating in 1957. After graduation, she worked at the Register of Deeds in Nemaha County before deciding to stay at home to raise her family. In the 1980s, she returned to the workforce and held a position at the Clerk of District Court in Nemaha County until her retirement in 2015.

On June 14, 1960, she married the love of her life Marvin W. Steinlage at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. On July 4, 1961, they made their home on a farm in southeast Nemaha County, raising their five children together. On November 1, 1999, Marvin and Joan moved from their farm to Seneca. Their marriage of over 63 years was filled with love and faith.

Joan had many hobbies including quilting, playing cards, sewing, reading, and doing puzzles. Her gentle smile and kind words had a special way of bringing comfort and warmth to those around her. Indeed, her soul was kind and giving. Her love for Jesus and her dedication to the Catholic faith were evident throughout her life.

Joan was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society in Seneca. Before moving to Seneca, she was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning, Kansas. She also was a former member of the St. Patrick’s Altar Society in Corning.

Joan will be greatly missed by her husband Marvin and children Jean (James) Olberding of Seneca, Steve (Tamera) Steinlage of Goff, Lucy (Roger) Burdiek of Silver Lake, Robert of Goff, and Dr. Amy (Douglas) Beck of Seneca. Joan also is leaving behind 11 grandchildren Melissa (Josh) Lawson, Joshua (Hannah) Steinlage, Kenton Steinlage, Beth Steinlage, Matt (Kelsie) Burdiek, Katie (Cody) Ireland, Ty Burdiek, Emily Burdiek, Nathan Beck, Kurtis Beck, and Marcus Beck; 5 great-grandchildren Adrienne and Brooks Burdiek, Jaxon and Camden Ireland, and Henry Steinlage; sister Anna Marie (Tom) Hiestand of Fargo, North Dakota, and brother Pat (Patricia) Stallbaumer of Topeka, KS.

Joan was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Olberding (March 19, 2009); her parents Walter (February 2, 1996) and Theresa (February 3, 1989); siblings, Blanche Haug (November 28, 2022), Edward Stallbaumer (September 5, 2021), Kenneth Stallbaumer (August 9, 2019), Edith Deters (June 22, 2018), James Stallbaumer (August 9, 1991), Clarence Stallbaumer (August 15, 1945), and Theresa Marie Stallbaumer (January 31, 1943).

Rosaries will be prayed at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Monday, April 22, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Seneca at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Burial will follow at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul Church or the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Building fund sent in care of the family.