This world lost a beautiful man and a kind soul with the peaceful passing of Donald (Don) J. Steinbrecher, 89, of Howard, on October 30, 2016.

Don was a strong man with a child-like nature who showed kindness and found great joy in making people laugh. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and he could talk your ear off about how each of them were special and wonderful.

Don enjoyed life with his wife, best friend and soul mate, Shirley (Athey) Steinbrecher. Their love for each other was an inspiration for all who were privileged to witness it. The twinkle in Don's eye showed he was more in love with her every day.

Known for his hard work and strong work ethic, Don never backed down from a challenge. If anyone thinks a square peg cannot fit into a round hole, then they have never met Don. As much as he was serious about his work, he could easily unleash a sense of humor so silly that you had no choice but to laugh and play along with him.

Don was born July 3, 1927, the son of the late John and Cora (Gagnon) Steinbrecher. Don worked in the trades for most of his life, including Northwest Engineering, Sears, Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and Wisconsin High Lift.

Don was extremely proud to have served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He rose through the ranks of enlisted personnel to Corporal Sergeant Major serving in Japan as part of the 24th Infantry.

Don enjoyed a variety of passions in life, including bowling, fishing, golfing, and camping for many, many years. He was a past President of the Bay Port Booster Club and enjoyed serving on the chain gang for Bay Port football games.

Don's faith was the cornerstone of his life and the guidance he used to raise his family. He was a quietly spiritual man that let his faith shine through with his actions rather than his words. He was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Howard. In the end, he made it clear that he was ready to go home to the Lord.

Don is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Shirley; their six children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou Sheedy and her four children Dr. Jason Sheedy, Stephanie Sheedy (Billy Kuchta) and their daughter Eden, Rebecca Sheedy, Cassandra (Todd) Hill and their children Wyatt, Abby, Zoey, Chael, and Lincoln; Cindy Wright (Neil Rynders); Nancy (Jeff) Nitka and their son Jon (Molly) Nitka and their sons Garrett and Landon; Robert (Colleen Collins) Steinbrecher and his sons Jacob Steinbrecher, Josh (Tammy) Steinbrecher and their children Garrett, Leum, Kamden, and Teagen; Janice (Chris) Nielsen and their children Kelly (Jason) Herzberg, Tyler (Sara) Nielsen and their son Archer; Jane (Jon) Bootz and their children Chase, Colin and Carys; sister Joyce Proctor; sisters-in-law Beth Steinbrecher and Shirley Athey; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Alfred and Evelyn (Johnson) Athey; brother Earl; brothers-in-law Ralph Zillmer and Clyde Proctor, Alvin and Norbert Athey; sister-in-law Marie (Athey) Huben; and two beautiful baby grandsons Brandon Wright and Nathan Nitka.

Family and friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2561 Glendale Ave., Howard, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 from 9 until 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. with Father Scott Valentyn officiating. Military Honors immediately after mass. A luncheon and celebration of life to follow. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

Don will be remembered as a wonderful man who the world saw with a can-do, positive attitude and smile on his face.

Don's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical staff on 3rd floor St. Mary's, Unity Hospice, and the caregivers at HomeInstead. Your care and kindness made an immeasurable difference in the final weeks of Don's life and we will forever be grateful.