"Our deepest sympathy to Rosie & The Steinke family. We both had the honor of working for Leo in the original Bettendorf store on Kimberly. Leo was a great guy and mentor and taught many of us the value of hard work and friendship! It's hard to think of McDonalds and not think of Leo. Howard (Howie) & Sue (Susie) Lohf"
In loving memory of
Leo 'Sputs' R Steinke
October 9, 1942 - January 14, 2018
LEO 'SPUTS' STEINKE
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Leo R. 'Sputs' Steinke, 75, of Muscatine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, 1931 Houser Street, Muscatine, Iowa. with a Eulogy Service at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI) or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Leo was born on October 9, 1942, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Isabelle Steinke. He married Rose M. Goron on August 28, 1965, in Fond du Lac.
Leo and Rosie moved to Iowa in 1971, building a home in Park View. They moved to Muscatine in 1978 to open a McDonald's restaurant and added a second location in Walcott in 1980. Leo owned and operated the restaurants until 2016. His last meal was a 'Big Mac and world famous fries'.
Leo's favorite pastimes were fishing, attending NASCAR races, Packer football, and chasing his seven grandchildren. He owned and raced harness horses with his brother, 'Pete', out of the Arch-S-Golden racing stable. He loved working in his restaurants and was known for his expertise at the french fry station.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of the caregivers at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House and Genesis health care. And special thanks to Nicole, Rachel, Sue, Woody, Tami, Jen, Little Pam and Drs. Raj and Bindu Alla.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rosie Steinke of Muscatine; his five children, Rosanne T. Sampson (Joe), and James L. Steinke (Melissa) all of Blue Grass, Lisa M. Ryan (Joe), and Rebecca L. Laing (Brandon), all of Muscatine, and Chad Steinke (Jennie), of New Bergen, New Jersey; seven grandchildren, Tyson J. Steinke, Hailey J. Steinke, Logan L. Ryan, Grace E. Sampson, Alyssa R. Ryan, Rule T. Laing, and Ever C.T. Laing; one brother, Harold 'Pete' Steinke of Davenport; and his favorite dog, Stanley.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tributes
"Rosie, Jim ,Lisa,Becky and all the rest... I am so sorry for your loss, Leo was one heck of a guy, a true one of a kind. "
"Rosie, I am so sorry for your loss."
"Rosie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs"
"Dear Rosie and Family, My sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your memories be happy ones"
"Our heartfelt sympathies to the Steinke family. I always loved seeing Leo - he could always put a smile on your face. Louie will miss Leo's daily phone calls to the office. RIP Leo"
"Rosie, So sorry to hear about Leo. Our sympathies to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers"
"Our deepest Sympathy to Rosie and the Steinke family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs "
"I had the honor and joy of working for Leo and his family for over 2 decades. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who loved...and will always love...him."
"Our heartfelt sympathies to Rosie and family. Rest in PEACE-Leo (SPUTS). One of my all time favorite mentors. He and his brother Pete took me and Birsch under their wings back in 1972 and we started flying the skies of life(not always in the right direction but eventually landed safely). Leo and Rosie and family-Peace to all of you! Keep the FAITH!"
"Becky, I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family. "
"I am so sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. Leo was a great person. I always enjoyed seeing him when working at the Walcott McDonalds. "
"There are very few people in one's lifetime that make you smile every time you think of that person...Leo was special. His enthusiasm and genuine persona made him a pleasure to be around. God rest you, Sputs !! Everyone who knew you will miss you dearly. "
"There are too many good memories to list them here. I am saddened by his loss and convey my condolences to Leo's family. May he rest in peace. "
"Leo WAS Mc Donalds! He knew how everything was supposed to be and why. I started behind the counter the day MCD opened. It was so neat and exciting, the sheer anticipation of it all. From that day forward there was no turning back. He had drive and dedication and was a great showman. Always out and about with a hand shake, Hello, or a slap on the back. He will be missed."
"I worked for Leo & Pete as a manager at the Walcott McDonald's for several years. Leo always had a smile, usually a joke and always a big hello. He was a nice guy & a great boss. Condolences to his family."
"So sorry to hear this news. I will always remember Leo driving by our house, waving with a big stoggie hanging out. Always had a smile on his face! Sending thoughts and love from Green Bay."
"Sorry for your families loss thoughts and prayers are with ypu guys . L eo was a wonderful man to work for he took pride he the place that he loved going to every day. Rest in peace Leo."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you all. Love, Danielle and Marley"
"Leo was such a sweet and caring person and truly loved his family and doggies. I will always be grateful for Leo and Rosie's hospitality to me returning from Shar-Pei Nationals in 2011."
"Leo was always so friendly and cheerful. He was very close with our family, especially "Wiggy" who will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with you. Sandy Bean and the Weigand Family"