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Obituary

Donald H. Steinegger

January 1, 1936 - March 15, 2023

Donald H. Steinegger, 87, Lincoln passed away March 15, 2023. Born January 1, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI, to Henry and Laura (Koester) Steinegger.

Donald grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and his PhD from UCLA. He taught for several years at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he met Susan West. They were married in 1970. They moved to Lincoln where he taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a Professor of Horticulture. At the University he established the Festival of Color yard and garden demonstration show. He was well known as a longtime panelist on Nebraska Public Media’s Backyard Farmer.

Donald was known as an amateur chef, baker, and lover of fine wine. After retirement he devoted himself to the cultivation of orchids and served as an officer for the Greater Omaha Orchid Society. He was a member of the St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church. In addition, to being a wonderful husband and father, he loved tending to his garden and numerous pets.

Family members include his wife Susan; daughters Cathleen Steinegger, Toronto, Ontario, CA, and Carolmarie Steinegger (Tom Kelley), Minneapolis, MN; step-grandchildren Bryce, Mya, Anna, and Emily. Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Bernice Brekke, Betty Pritzlaff, and Marion Schreihart.

Memorial Service: 11:00 am Tuesday (3-21-23) St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorials to St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

Services

March21

Memorial Service

CST

St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church

1309 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska

Share a Memory or Condolence

September 29, 2023

I’ve known few people that had as extensive of home horticulture knowledge than Don. He was so happy and willing to share that knowledge to so many others with a passion and excitement that was unsurpassed. Many home gardens and landscapes throughout Nebraska are so much better because of the advice he provided many. I enjoyed his friendship over the 30 years I had the sincere privilege of knowing him.

– Jim Hruskoci
April 6, 2023

In 1996, I took over production duties for Backyard Farmer. Don would frequently take me aside and impress on me the importance of the show and what I was doing. He was very supportive of me and I’ll forever remember his time on the show. He was a true professional and I’m very thankful that I got to work with him. I’m very sad to hear of his passing

– Brad Mills
March 23, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a presence at St. Mark’s and such a lively and inquisitive member of Adult Forum and our bible study group. Don and Susan together managed his Alzheimer’s disease with grace and fortitude and were a model couple. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

– Sidnie White Crawford
March 20, 2023

Dr. Don, remember taking his fruit production class, I drove the van on the field trips to orchards around Lincoln. Always had to keep track of ties or sweaters as Don would take them off during doing a demonstration of pruning techniques. Some days when Don was working in the field for Festival of Color, he would ride his bicycle to work, I would load the bike in my pickup and give him a ride at days end. Will be missed.

– Lannie

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