April 15th, 2015

Robert Steinberger
On April 8, 2015, Robert Steinberger, aged 93, went to meet his savior in person, surrounded by his family.  
Bob was a member of the greatest generation, flying 25 combat missions over Europe in World War II.  He never felt he had done anything heroic; he always felt he just did what he had to do.  
Returning from the European theatre, he attended Montana State College courtesy of the G. I. Bill, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949.  He worked for Bonneville Power Co. in Portland, Ore., for several years after graduation.  He returned to Deer Lodge and worked for Baehr Electric until 1964 and then was employed by the Flathead Irrigation Project in Polson, as a power distribution Engineer until his retirement. He was a Professional Engineer, an active member of the Ham Radio Group Races, and an avid outdoorsman. He served on the Deer Lodge City Council in the 1960s. Bob and Marie donated the land the Powell County Hospital was built on.  He attended and gave testimony in Helena during the clean air and clean water standard hearings.  In addition, he was a member of the local VFW honor guard during his retirement, serving at more than 150 veterans’ funerals.   
 He married Marie Hoff in 1948.  They returned to Deer Lodge at the time of his retirement to spend their remaining years in the town of their youth.  We prefer to think of him on a permanent fly fishing adventure now that his earthly cares are over.
 His parents, John Valentine Steinberger and Anna Persons Steinberger as well as brothers William Steinberger and John Steinberger, and his wife Marie preceded him in death.  He is survived by his four daughters, Stephanie, Mia, April and Wendy, as well as three grandsons, two great-granddaughters, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.  
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 140 Sam Beck Rd, Deer Lodge, MT  59722 or the charity of your choice.