MSUM alumnus Todd James Steinke passed away suddenly
Todd James Steinke passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Cable Lake in Mentor, MN. surrounded by family and dear friends. Services will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with a public Visitation from 12:00-3:00. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m.
Todd was born October 13, 1967 in Grand Forks, ND to James and Darlyn Steinke. He attended Red River High School, graduating in 1985. He graduated from Moorhead State in 1989, where he also played basketball for the Dragons. It was his first job with Cycare Systems that took him to Chicago, where he met Cynthia Waters. They married on April 22, 1995 at First Presbyterian Church in her hometown of Iowa City, IA.
Todd and Cindy’s only child, Lauren Lynne, was born on October 6, 1999 at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo, ND, where they had moved for his job with Great Plains Software. Their bond was instant and deep, and Lauren was his pride and joy. The three remained in Fargo while Todd was employed with Lutheran/Banner Health. While Todd and Cindy traveled for their careers, they left Lauren in the care of Grandma Darlyn, creating their special bond.
Todd’s career path eventually took them to St. Cloud, where he became the Director of Development for the CentraCare Health Foundation in 2005. In August of this year he was proudly promoted to CentraCare Health Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Health. He had earned his CRFE classification, as well.
Being called “Daddy” was Todd’s most proud title of his life. He was Lauren’s coach, rock, and biggest fan. Attending her track, cross country meets, and triathlons was, undoubtedly, his biggest passion. He was completely devoted to his wife and daughter; he was a family man, and friend, to all. Todd was full of life!
Todd’s hobbies included the sport of triathlon and training with Lauren, traveling and road trips, spending time with family and friends, and golfing. He loved traditions, most notably the HOPE golf tournament, which celebrated 21 years this July. He organized each of them and was fondly referred to as “Commish” by this great group of men.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Cindy, and his shining star daughter, Lauren; his parents, Jim and Darlyn (Grand Forks, ND); sister Steffanie Joy (Grand Forks, ND), her husband Scott Lindgren, and their sons Jack and Nicklaus, also of Grand Forks, ND. Mother-and Father-in-law, Barbara and James Davis of Iowa City, IA; Father-in-law Duane “Abe” Waters, St. Cloud, MN; Brother-in-law Patrick Waters, (Steamboat Springs, CO), and his children Brittany Petersen (Chicago, IL), Isaac and Sophia Waters, (Steamboat Springs, CO); many aunts, uncles, cousins Godchildren and friends. He is preceded in death by grandparents Paul and Margaret Steinke (Cavalier, ND) and Arthur and Grace Brandt (Cavalier, ND).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CentraCare Health Foundation, St. Cloud Hospital. www.williamsdingmann.com/ObituaryDisplay.aspx?ID=9361