James Robert Steiner

James Robert Steiner was born June 28, 1944, in Smith Center, Kansas, at the hospital now known as Ingleboro Mansion, to John Maurice Steiner and Anastasia (Curry) Steiner. Jim had three older siblings: Susan Mary, John Thomas, and Richard Lawrence. Two younger sisters were born after Jim: Ann Irene and Kathryn Marjean. Jim grew up in Lebanon Kansas, a member of the Independence Evangelical United Brethren Church. He was a Cub Scout, delivered papers, and did farm chores along with his brothers, Jack and Dick. In high school, he was a member of the football team, playing center during his junior and senior years. He loved music, going to dances, and singing along with his favorite country music singers. He had a quick wit and was always ready with a humorous quip. Whether it was football or wrestling with his brothers, he would never give up. This trait served him well in his later years as his health declined. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Linda Mulkey, on September 14, 1962. To this union, three sons were born: Gregory Joe, Kelly Ray, and Curtis Dwayne. Jim always enjoyed watching his boys in sports, particularly wrestling. He also loved the antics of three boys just being boys. Jim and Linda divorced in 1977. Jim worked as a laborer in various farm situations: Cuprem Corp., Hastings Pork, Rich White Farm. He drove over-the-road for Pioneer Seed. Jim married the love of his life, Debra Utecht, in September of 1995. In the following month, October 1995, Deb was diagnosed with cancer and was treated with chemotherapy and radiation. She was declared cancer- free in December of that same year. On Valentine's Day 1996, the cancer had metastasized in her brain and was too far advanced for treatment. Deb passed from this life on March 7, 1996, leaving Jim devastated. Jim lived with his son, Greg, in San Diego, Calif., Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He worked as a small engines mechanic for RSC Rentals until his retirement. He moved to Hutchinson in 2013. He lived in a rental house for a time and then moved into an apartment in South Hutchinson. When his health did not allow him to live alone, Jim moved to Mennonite Manor-Graber House in 2017, where the care was excellent and it was home for Jim, until his passing on December 17, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Paul Dickey and his wife. He leaves his children: Greg and wife Angie, Kelly and wife Loretta, Curtis and wife Marti; stepdaughter, Tracy Karr; his grandchildren, Nick and wife Amanda, Morgan, Wyatt, Elliott, Esther, Abigail, Ethan; step-grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Kolbin Stonerook, Jimmy, Kristi and Ben Wilcox, Sara Willis; his great-grandchildren , J. W. Willis, Veda, Harlo and Nick Wilcox, Andrew Hinsley, Bella and Ollie Wilcox; his siblings; Susan Dickey, John T. and wife Gloria, Richard and wife Delta, Irene and husband Randy Baumann, Kathy and husband Robert Brogden; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place. There will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice or Mennonite Friendship Communities, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kan. 67501.