Steinbach, Lawrence 'Larry' Eugene

Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Steinbach of Cedar Rapids died Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Friends may call at St. Ludmila Church today from 3 until 8 p.m. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with the rosary led by the Knights of Columbus and a vigil service at 7 p.m. Visitation at the church 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m., with Father Thomas McDermott. Military honors by American Legion Post 727. A family burial will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Chariton, Iowa.

Larry was born July 5, 1924, in Chariton, Iowa, the eldest son of George and Katherine (Carr) Steinbach. He married Esther Belle Miller on April 28, 1945, in the Navy Chapel at Bremerton, Wash. During World War II Larry served in the U.S. Navy as Pharmacist's Mate (HM3). Before and after his time in the Navy he was with the Steinbach Meat Co. until he joined Hy-Vee in 1962. Larry retired from Hy-Vee No. 3 on Wilson Avenue, Cedar Rapids, in 1986.

Larry was active in volunteer work from childhood. He was an altar server at daily Mass from an early age and continued throughout his military service. As a 20-year member of the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department he attained the rank of assistant chief. He was instrumental in starting Knights of Columbus Council No. 4151 and served as the first Grand Knight in Chariton before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1965, when he transferred to Council No. 5677.

For 25 years the Steinbachs opened their home on a Sunday afternoon in December where Santa sat and greeted many children, their parents and grandparents. Larry was also known as Larrybelle, the clown at St. Ludmila's Kolach Festival for several years, making balloon animals in KiddyLand. He was a past president of the St. Ludmila Parish council and continued to be an active parishioner. Larry served as president and continued his membership in Catholic Layman. He was also a member of the Iowa Meat Processors Association and Iowa Fireman Association.

Without a doubt, his latest and most rewarding volunteer work was serving at the funerals of fellow comrades with the Honor Guard of Cedar Rapids American Legion Post 727. Serving God, serving his country and loving his family were his life's priorities. He worked hard learning the trade of his father and inherited his mother's gentle and loving heart.

Larry is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Esther Belle; daughters: Louise (Richard) Wibe, West Bend, Wis.; Jeanne (Steve) Brown, Auburn Hills, Mich.; Ruthann (Rick) Heidgerken, St. Marys, Ga.; Kathy Shelton, Cedar Rapids; son, Al (Deb) Steinbach, Schenectady, N.Y.; grandchildren, Matt, Stephanie, Gerard (Corleen), Katherine (John), Drew (Lisa), Beth (Andy), Dan, Elisa and Mary (Ryan); and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ray and Teddy.

Larry is also survived by his sisters, Rosemary Evans of Chariton and Cecilia Farrell of Yorkville, Ill.; and his brothers, Leo (Kay) and James (Barbara) of Chariton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four infant grandchildren, Anthony, Aaron and Rebecca Wibe and Benjamin Steinbach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Honor Guard, American Legion Post 727, or St. Ludmila Building Fund.

Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, Cedar Rapids, is serving the family.