Kenny Steinbeck, 72, of 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. He was a multiple year varsity letterman in basketball. It was during this time 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 Schaefferkoetter, Inc. in Mt. Sterling. He retired full time in 2018.
One of Kenny’s great passions was farming. He and Ann managed a family farm in Mt. Sterling for their entire marriage. They raised cattle and worked hay. One of Kenny’s great joys was passing on this legacy of farm work to his son Kris and grandson Kohl. Carrying on this legacy was of the utmost importance to Kenny.
Kenny was also an avid outdoorsman. He engaged in this pastime his entire life. He greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He loved running coyotes and coons with his dogs. Kenny 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 and Ann spent a big part of their summers traveling all over the Midwest to watch their granddaughter Kirsten play competitive softball. Kenny and Ann never missed a game if their grandkids were involved.
Kenny would always drop what he was doing to help a friend or neighbor, or even a stranger in need. Kenny 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 Steinbeck 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.
Kenny was preceded in death by parents August Herman Steinbeck and Lorean Thompson of Bland.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Ann Steinbeck; son, Kris Steinbeck (Tami) of Linn; grandchildren, Kirsten Weider (Isaac) of Mt. Sterling, and Kohl Steinbeck of Linn; sister, Kay Robertson of Jefferson City; and adopted family members, Aimee Waggoner of Columbus, Ohio, and Rana Robinson (Craig) of Linn.
Funeral Services were held Friday, March 22, at Morton Chapel in Linn with Rev. Brett Phillips officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family of Kenneth Steinbeck.
Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn.
