John Steingard

John K. (Bud) Steingard, age 85, of Henderson, died Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Henderson Care Center. He was born on February 15, 1925 to Jacob J. and Anna (Kliewer) Steingard in Henderson. He was the sixth of seven children born to the family. He grew up in town and went to school right across the street. He was baptized on June 13, 1943 in Bethesda Mennonite Church. His dad passed away in 1935, and since this was a house full of seven kids, they often spent time with relatives and friends. His first business was raising rabbits.

After high school, in 1942, Bud went to Detroit and got a job at Montgomery Ward. In 1943, he took a farm deferent from the draft and moved home and worked for various farmers. In 1944, he started drilling wells for John Thieszen. In 1948, he went into business drilling wells with Dan Epp.

On June 9, 1950, he married Darlene Huebert and moved north of Stockham and started farming. He started a well drilling business with Gordon Schmidt in 1952 drilling over 500 wells. In 1957, he went into business with Gordon Schmidt and Eugene Siebert and formed Central Irrigation and Fertilizer. In 1974, he sold Central Irrigation to partner, Oscar Ott, and started farming with his sons. Dad was always aggressive in his business affairs and never shied away from hard work, “as hard work never hurt anyone.”

Dad was always busy with community events and committees. He has been on the Commercial Club, Telephone and Hospital Boards, Charter Member of the Henderson Golf Association, and involved in numerous other organizations. He also enjoyed singing in the Men’s Chorus and Chancel Choir.

Dad enjoyed going on trips with his family and business partners. He especially enjoyed golfing with his buddies, going to ball games, playing cards, and spending time with grandchildren. He also enjoyed MDS trips, MCC Sales and the MCC Canner.

Dad leaves behind his wife Darlene, daughter, Connie of Wichita, KS and sons Dale (Laura), Johnnie (Lori), and Gary (Deanna), of Henderson, grandchildren, Greta (Jeff) Rottler of Wichita, KS, Dana Steingard of Grand Island, Whitney, Tanner, Coby, and Ellie Steingard of Henderson. Also, sister, Edith Buller and sister-in-law, Imogene Steingard of York. Preceding him in death were his parents, and sisters, Elsie, Esther, Edna, Erna, and brother Jake.

Graveside services were held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Bethesda Cemetery in Henderson. Memorial services followed at 10:00 a.m., at the Bethesda Mennonite Church. Memorials may be directed to the MCC Canner or the Henderson Hospital.