Robert Charles Steinmeier

Robert Charles Steinmeier, Ph.D., 72, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away peacefully in his sleep April 12, 2016 at his home in Little Rock, Ark. Graveside service was held in Grand Island City, Neb. A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2016 in Stella Boyle Auditorium on the UALR campus. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Stuhr Museum Foundation in Grand Island. Online condolences may be directed to www.livson.com. "Bob" was born April 16, 1943, in Glendale, Calif. to Bus and Hazel (Wilcox) Steinmeier during WW II and grew up in Grand Island, NE. He graduated from Grand Island High School in 1961. Bob went on to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed his doctorate in chemistry in 1975. Post-doctoral studies were completed at SUNY before moving to Little Rock. As a professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for nearly 40 years, "Dr. Bob" was known for his commitment to his students and his subject. He was recognized for both and received the UALR Faculty Excellence Award for his superior teaching and academic rigor. He devoted himself to teaching students a fundamental understanding of organic and biochemistry "to serve them in future course work and in life." It was a source of pride and satisfaction for Bob that so many of his students went on to medical school and other post-graduate careers successfully. They frequently expressed gratitude to him for the excellent preparation gained in his classes. Bob's leadership ability was valued by UALR, also, and he served as Chairman of the Chemistry Department for many of his years there. The value of education was a guiding principle in Bob's life. He appreciated the benefit of his early education in Grand Island schools, and his life's work made a difference for thousands of young adults. A loyal Cornhusker fan, Bob was equally passionate about UALR basketball. His love of sports, primarily college basketball and football, was a welcome diversion for him. Music was another lifelong interest, from his days of playing clarinet in school and in the Grand Island City Band, to his ongoing love of jazz and the Big Band era. The music and satire of Tom Lehrer was a favorite! Genealogy was a more recent hobby, and he loved collecting and sharing information that he discovered. His was a life well-lived, and Bob will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the university to which he devoted so much of his life. Bob is survived by his two daughters: Raina Steinmeier of New York City, and Karla Steinmeier of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; second wife, Ann Steinmeier, first wife, Julia Hassler; sister: Marilyn (Gene) Garrison; niece: Laura (Jason) Ellis and their three children; nephews: David (Edna) Garrison, Scott (Tonya) Garrison; cousin: Dan (Pat) Windolph and other numerous cousins; and best friend: Tom Lynch. Online Condolences: www.livson.com.