Helme I. Steinke

Helme Irene Steinke, age 91, passed peacefully away on  January 28, 2011 at a local healthcare center.   She was born on April 22, 1919, in Embarrass, MN, the daughter of John and Emelia (Sikkila) Nelmark.  She graduated from Alango High School in Angora, MN in 1937.  She was married to Earl E. Steinke on July 1, 1944.   Helme was a gentle, humble woman who showed compassion, kindness,  patience and respect to all people.  She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.  She loved taking classes at MATC, traveling, baking, gardening and spending time with her family.  During her life she had varied interests and employment as a cake decorator, a nanny, a nursing assistant, an aircraft riveter during World War II, and her favorite position, which was in the Bursar's office at the University of Wisconsin, from which she retired.   She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a former member of  the Finnish American Society.   She is survived by her children and grandchildren: John E. Steinke (Edwina)  of Gambrills, MD;  Sharyn S. Juneau (Patrick) of Marshfield,WI;  James E. Steinke (Kathy) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Sandra K. Granroth (Neal) of Fitchburg, WI and two stepdaughters, Jean Green of Springfield, MO and Betty Denney (Forrest) of Cottage Grove, WI.   Grandchildren: Ida-Marie and Eric Steinke; Kristi Martiny; Michelle Ninneman-Rapacz (James); Gary Steinke; Jennifer Steinke; Wendy Baranowski (Dave); Gustave, Lawrence, Bonnie and Hans Granroth; Linda Carney (Mike); Jim McGinley; Ruth Merath (Dennis); and Billy McGinley.    Great grandchildren: Kara and Malina Martiny; Sam, Lillia and Olivia Rapacz; Lindsey (Todd) Finley; Ryan and Erin McGinley; Austin, Mariah and Michelle Merath; Kristen McGinley; and three great, great grandchildren.   She is also survived by her brother Gust (Aili) Nelmark of Embarrass, MN; and her sister Helga Ballentine of Carmichael, CA.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl E. Steinke; her grandson Garrett T. Ninneman; six sisters: Hilma Benson of Milwaukee, WI; Hilda Kangas of Grand Rapids, MN; Hazel Siro of Cook, MN; Helen Ritala of Eveleth, MN; Helia Aho of Babbitt, MN; Esther Clarkson of Sacramento, CA; and two brothers:  John Nelmark of Cook, MN; and Wayne Nelmark of Virginia, MN.   Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, February 3, at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Avenue, where friends may call from 9:30 A. M.  until time of  service. Reverend Ken Smith will officiate.  Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Cottage Grove, WI.  Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church.   Helme's family would like to thank the staff at Capitol Lakes Health Care Center and Terraces for the loving care she received. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666