Robert James Steingreaber, Sr., 72, of Keosauqua, died Saturday May 27, 2023, having been brought back home to Van Buren County by his family.
Bob was born May 29, 1950, to Darlene and Robert W. Steingreaber, Jr. in Burlington. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1968 and received his bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from ISU in 1972.
He taught H.S. science at Breckenridge, Mo. from 1972-75 and H.S. physiology, chemistry, and math, and was tech coordinator at Van Buren Schools, Keosauqua, from 1975-1997.
He coached both five-player and six-player Iowa Girls basketball. There were good teams and an overall record of 259-168 during his 21 years of coaching at VB. The 1980 team finished with an 18-3 record while 85 team was 20-2. 1980, 85 and 92 teams went to regionals, each time finishing just one game from qualifying for the state tournament, according to the Hawkeye. In 1986, he was the girls Coach of the Year.
As a leader, he served both as the Van Buren Teachers Union President and in later years, as the Van Buren School Board President.
He received his master’s in educational administration from Drake University in 1997 and took a position as coordinator, technology services at Southern Prairie AEA from 1997 – 2001 and as Coordinator, Instructional Services: Resources at Great Prairie AEA from 2001 until he retired in 2010. He was Chair of the Iowa State Media Directors and served as president of NAMTC – National Association of Media and Technology Centers.
He was on several boards including the Van Buren Conservation Board. This year marked 30 years of service on this board, and he has been chairman since 2003. He loved the work and working with members of the community to highlight the parks and opportunities nature provides. Bob was an avid outdoorsman.
Bob is survived by his wife, Kristin. They were a team in education and raising their family together. He was a very proud dad to three children: Robert James “Jim”, Jr. (Tori); Will (Lauren) and Anne (Landon) Plagge. He spent a lot of time following the interests of his kids and loved every minute of it.
Three grandchildren: Jimmy (Liz); Kylie (Joel) Hugo and Cassidy. He was looking forward to being a great grandpa.
His siblings: Elaine (Tom) Shipley; David (Jean) and Mary (Jim) Olson and their families; many Thronson in-laws and families.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3 at the Congregational Church in Keosauqua. There will be areception and gathering at the Beach House Lodge at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park starting at 5 p.m.
Online condolences can be shared at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com Donations can be directed to Van Buren Co Conservation and mailed to the Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556
He was a good man and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He gave to his family and community, and we are missing him.