John Fred Steinbeck (1891-1965)

STEINBECK, MERKORD, MERKHORD, WILLIAMS, KRUSE, STRUVE, VANDEMARK, VANDERMARK, WESTPHAL

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

JOHN F. STEINBECK

Mr. John Fred Steinbeck was born in Gaza, Iowa, April 20, 1891, the son of Willam Steinbeck and Anna Merkhord [sic]. The parental family moved into the O'Brien County area when he was quite young. He attended the rural schools in this area where he spent his entire active life.

He married Myrtle Williams on January 20, 1915, which union was blessed with eight children, one daughter Inga dying in infancy.

The couple farmed in the O'Brien County area their entire active life. He was an able and successful farmer, giving time also to community affairs. He served as a member of the school board for a period, and was « member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ where he worshipped with his family and shared church responsibilities.

John Steinbeck was a very active man all his days. When not busy with his agricultural pursutis, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. The latter activities received continued attention during these past years of semi-retirement. He made many a trip into the northland with groups on fishing vacations. He enjoyed recalling the incidents of those and his hunting experiences.

He was active until stricken, actually ice-fishing the day before his fatal illness. He was seriously ill hardly a week when he died on February 28, 1965.

Mr. Steinbeck was a man of gregarious spirit. He greatly enjoyed his many friends, neighbors, and fellow church members. He was always a willing participant in all neighborhood and fellowship activities. His ready smile and gracious spirit often set the spirit for whatever gathering he shared. He will be greatly missed by those who were blessed with his fellowship.

His family rejoice that they all recently celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary with John and Myrtle Steinbeck. On January 17th the entire relationship gathered together in the social room of Trinity United Church of Christ for this noteworthy celebration.

The survivors are his wife; children, Evelyn (Mrs. Vemon Kruse), Larrabee, Garland Steinbeck, Hartley, Wayne Steinbeck, Sutherland, Leland Steinbeck, Royal, Elaine (Mrs. Gordon Struve), Rossie, Donald Steinbeck, Sioux Falls, S. Dak., and Keith Steinbeck, Hartley; sisters, Mrs. Marie VanderMark and Mrs. Martin Westphal, Hartley; 26 grandchildren, many relatives and friends.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, 18 Mar 1965, p10