On October 29, 1936 in St. Benedict Township, Jerome Adlebert Steinhoff was born to parents Louis and Genevieve (Klehr) Steinhoff. The fourth of eight children, Jerry’s family moved to Shakopee in 1943, where he graduated from the Shakopee High School in 1955.
Immediately enlisted into the United States Air Force, Jerry proudly served as a Staff Sergeant. On October 3, 1959 at St. Victoria, in Victoria, MN, he married Georgia Bednarczyk. For 25 years, Jerry was a custodian for the Shakopee School District. With a love for entertaining, he enjoyed being around everyone playing his repertoire of harmonica and keyboard music. An avid hunter and fisherman, Jerry taught many the love of the outdoors.
An active member of the Eagles Aerie 4120 as a Chaplin, Jerry was also a member of the American Legion Post #1 and the “Old Central Gang.” He was a very generous man and famous for passing out $2 bills to everyone, especially children.
A resident of Shakopee, Jerry, age 75, passed away unexpectedly the late morning of Thursday, January 19, 2012 at his home.
Forever loved, Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Georgia; children, Robert Steinhoff of Lakeshore, MN, William (Janet) Steinhoff of Cohasset, MN, Sandra (Charles ) Doherty of Shakopee, Jerome Jr.(Susan) Steinhoff of Jordan, David (Tara) Steinhoff of Shakopee, Nancy Henderson of Shakopee, Paul Steinhoff of Jordan, Genevieve (Jon) Bishop of Hill City, MN; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Virgilla Geske of Shakopee, Cathy (Neil) Larson of Texas; brothers, Walter (Mary Ellen) Steinhoff of Glyndon, MN, Jim (Dorothy) Steinhoff of Arizona, Louis (Rita) Steinhoff of Shakopee; many loving relatives and friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bridget Moser; brother, Cletus Steinhoff. Pall bearers for Jerry will be his grandsons.
Visitation will be on Monday, January 23 from 4-8 p.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee and also one hour prior to the mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m., at Church of St. Mark 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee. Father Peter Wittman will officiate. Jerry will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Volunteer Rifle Squad.
