Kenny Steinbeck, 72, Mt. Sterling, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Nov. 12, 1951, in Jefferson City.
He attended Owensville High School and graduated in 1970. While in school, Kenny was a multiple-year varsity letterman in basketball. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Ann Cooper of Union, and she remained by his side until his passing.
Kenny went to work for Missouri Power and Light in 1972. This company eventually became Ameren Missouri, and he worked for them for 42 years. Upon retirement from Ameren, he then drove a truck over the road for Pioneer Truss in Owensville and Schaeperkoetter, Inc. in Mt. Sterling. He retired full time in 2018.
He and Ann managed a family farm in Mt. Sterling for their entire marriage where they raised cattle and worked hay. One of Kenny’s greatest passions was farming and passing on this legacy of farmwork to his son Kris and grandson Kohl. Carrying on this legacy was of the utmost importance to him.
Kenny was also an avid outdoorsman his entire life. He greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Kenny loved running coyotes and coons with his dogs and was an expert deer hunter. He took great joy and pride in spending each deer season hunting with his family and many friends to whom he referred as “adopted family.” Kenny also had a great passion for sports, especially watching his son and grandchildren play softball, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He spent a big part of the summers with Ann traveling all over the midwest to watch their granddaughter Kirsten play competitive softball. They never missed a game if their grandkids were involved.
Kenny was preceded in death by parents, August and Lorean (Thompson) Steinbeck of Bland.
He is survived by loving wife of 52 years, Ann; son, Kris Steinbeck and wife Tami of Linn; grandchildren; Kirsten Weider and husband Isaac of Mt. Sterling and Kohl Steinbeck of Linn; sister, Kay Robertson of Jefferson City; two adopted family members, Aimee Waggoner of Columbus, Ohio and Rana Robinson and husband Craig of Linn.
Kenny would always drop what he was doing to help a friend or neighbor, or even a stranger in need. He could always be seen in the Cooper Hill, Mt. Sterling area giving someone a helping hand, or in his words as he got a little older, “Getting my son to do it.” This eventually evolved to “Getting my grandson to do it.” Everyone in the area knew him as the “Neighborhood Watch.”
Kenny was a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of traditional family values, traditional work ethic, and a love of the outdoors for his family and countless friends.
Funeral service was held Friday, March 22, at Morton Chapel in Linn with Rev. Brett Phillips officiating.
Memorial contributions suggested to the family.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
