Delbert Wayne Steiner, 86, of Clifton passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Arcadia Care in Clifton. He was born on October 11, 1936 in Buckley, a son of Chris and Erna Louise (Schumacher) Steiner. Delbert married Carmeen Marilyn Blasey on February 12, 1966 and she survives.
Also surviving are one son, Thomas Brent (Dawn) Steiner of Lincoln; one daughter, Dawn Marie (John) Beedy of Kankakee; four grandchildren, Benjamin Steiner, Madeline Steiner, and Claire Steiner all of Lincoln and Brandon Beedy of Kankakee; one sister, Ruth Ann (Keith) Hartke of Buckley; and one sister-in-law, Donna Steiner of Buckley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Paul Steiner and Norman (Rosalie) Steiner; one sister and brother-in-law, Elaine (Walter) Reiners.
Delbert was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse where he served as an usher and greeter. He was a 48-year member of the Chebanse Township Fire Department where he served as Treasurer. Delbert was a member of the Clifton Sportsmen Club where he served as treasurer. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served from 1955-1957. Delbert had a lifelong love of farming and would spend the weekends on the family farm with his brother, Paul. He loved to go to the Farm Progress Show. He even enjoyed attending farm auctions and looking for antiques. Delbert had a love for gardening and sharing his extra harvest with neighbors. Delbert spent 30 years grinding apples to make cider to share with his family and neighbors. Delbert spent over 40 years being Santa Claus which brought him such delight to see the smiles on everyone’s faces. One of his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, musical plays, and school events over the years. He also loved spending time with family and visiting with relatives whether they were ill or just to chat. He enjoyed collecting toy tractors. Delbert worked for Kankakee Container for many years in their maintenance department.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Benjamin Hayter officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton with graveside military rites by the Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.
Memorials may be given to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, or Chebanse Township Fire Department.
Please share a memory of Delbert at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
