Bill Steinberger, 93

William Lee “Bill” Steinberger, age 93, of Mendon, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at Medi-Lodge of Portage following a long illness. He was born in Kalamazoo on Feb. 16, 1923 the son of Otto Charles and Laura Elizabeth (Vande Venter) Steinberger. While Bill’s father travelled with the US Army, Bill attended schools in Europe before returning to Gull Lake where he graduated from W.K. Kellogg High School. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to General Patton’s 7th Army, serving in N. Africa and Italy. He also served in the Intelligence Corps in Europe, Korea and Israel. He was twice awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart while in the military. After his discharge from the Army, Bill worked as a Deputy Sheriff in both Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties and served as Colon Police Chief. He later was an advisor for Law Enforcement Explorer Scouts, and was a weapons safety instructor.

Bill was a member of the Michigan Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Free and Accepted Masons, the National Rifle Association, and the National Muzzle-Loaders Association. He enjoyed archery, hunting, flint knapping, and was a competitive marksman.

Bill was married to Karen Osterman in Portage on Sep. 12, 1964. She survives along with three children, Otto (Dyann) Steinberger of Mendon, Kay (Chris) Running of Portage, and Cynthia Steinberger of New York; seven grandchildren, Adam (Lisa) Brewer, Erik (Kristina) Brewer, Ashley Singer, Dustin Steinberger, James (Danae) Steinberger, Micaela Steinberger and Colin Steinberger; several foster children and foreign exchange students, including Miguel Salazar of Chile. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kesia Steinberger; and a half-brother, Louis Barnes.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm Sunday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services and military honors will be 11 am Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at the funeral home with Rev. David Farrell officiating. Cremation will follow services and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com