Joseph Steinkoenig

Joseph “Joe” Jake Steinkoenig, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois, surrounded by the care and compassion that reflected the life he lived—one marked by devotion, kindness, and quiet strength.

Joe was born on January 15, 1935, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, Illinois, to the late Wilbur and Esther (Hotz) Steinkoenig.

He completed two years of college at Saint Louis University, studying Accounting, before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. Joe served on active duty from May 31, 1955, to August 31, 1957, as an Airplane Mechanic (MOS 671), stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He continued his commitment through the U.S. Army Inactive Reserves until May 31, 1962.

Joe built a long and honorable working life. He was employed for several years with Ralston Purina in both Illinois and Georgia, later worked for Glidden Paint in St. Louis, and ultimately spent many years as a Union Laborer, contributing to projects throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Known for his reliability and work ethic, Joe retired at the age of 65, leaving behind a reputation of dedication and integrity.

On September 6, 1958, Joe married the love of his life, Lillian Haverman in East St. Louis, Illinois. Together they shared many years of marriage and raised a loving family until her passing on March 7, 2016. In later years, Joe found renewed happiness when he married Belinda Gormley on December 11, 2019, in Granite City, Illinois.

Joe was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved camping, car racing, reading, and especially working at the church. He was a devoted caregiver, a loyal friend, and someone who truly loved people. Joe never met a stranger—he could strike up a conversation with anyone and made everyone feel welcome in his presence.

He is survived by his devoted wife Belinda Steinkoenig of Granite City, Il, loving children, Curt and Sandy Steinkoenig of Granite City, Illinois, Linda and Bobby Richardson of Stedman, North Carolina, Glen and Colleen Steinkoenig of Washington, Missouri and Scott and Peggy Steinkoenig of Granite City, Illinois

Joe was a proud grandfather to Ashley Sicka; Tia Lipscomb (Bobby); Tyler Steinkoenig (Christina); Sara Steinkoenig (Luke); Megan Jackson (Tom); Katherine Lumpkins; Jennifer Reilly (Sean); Devon Steinkoenig; Sean Steinkoenig (Haley); Garrett Steinkoenig; and Haleigh Matthews (Andrew), and a joyful great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Joe was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Steinkoenig, and his sister Donna Drnjevic-Fencl.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois, and again on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Life Church, Granite City, Illinois. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mark Maynard officiating.

Joe will be laid to rest beside his beloved “Lil” at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road in Granite City, Illinois, where they will be reunited in eternal peace.

Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Life Church and will be accepted at both the funeral home and the church.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.