SPARTA-Duane “Uncle Pete” P. Steinhoff was born on August 15, 1958, in Sparta, to Bernard and Catherine (Steidl) Steinhoff. Pete grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1976.
Pete worked at Country Kitchen for a couple years where he met the love of his life Diana. After Country Kitchen he worked at Creative Display where he helped build the big muskie in Hayward, WI and the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN.
In 1983, he found his calling as a custodian for St. Patrick’s School and Parish. He worked there for 38 years where he was affectionately known as “Uncle Pete”, even those he sent to the naughty table still love “Uncle Pete”. He retired in 2021.
Pete enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing and chicken grilled over an open fire. He has played too many rounds of euchre to count along with his favorite card game, poop on your neighbor, that he learned from his long-time friend, Fr. Mark Walljasper. But the thing he loved most was family. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and he was happiest when they were with him.
Pete passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Catherine; mother-in-law, Frances Baird, sisters, Carol “CJ” Loe and Pat Steinhoff; brothers, Daniel, Thomas and Dennis; sisters-in-law, Lynn and MaryAnn; and brother-in-law Ron Baird.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Diana (Baird) Steinhoff; children, Shelly (David) Meyer, Heidi (Jason) Dokken, and Tony Steinhoff (Jaime); granddaughters, Gracie and Ellie; grandson, Kaden; siblings, Nancy (Gene) Kaijala, Donna (Jerry) Erickson, Bob Steinhoff, John (Vicki) Steinhoff, Mike Steinhoff, Linda Steinhoff, Jerry Steinhoff, Jeff (Jeanne) Steinhoff, Barb (Leo) Ward, and John (Char) Roehrl; brother-in-law, Mike Baird; and sisters-in-law, Norma Steinhoff, Laurie Steinhoff, and Kathy Baird.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Sparta.
A Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and then 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
