Steiner, Daniel J. (1865-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 25 p. 8

Birth date: 1865 Jan 28

text of obituary:

DANIEL J. STEINER

Daniel J. Steiner, son of John and Anna Burkholder Steiner, passed away on Feb. 10, 1960 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Pearl Schaad, at the age of 95 years and 13 day s.

He was born Jan. 28, 1865 near Bluffton, Ohio. His parents passed away three days apart when he was five weeks old. The six surviving children by his father's second marriage were placed in various homes until they were old enough to care for themselves. His foster mother was a cousin, Catherine Steiner, who provided a home for him up to the age of 15 years.

Mr. Steiner entered Ohio Normal university, now Ohio Northern at Ada, Ohio, in 1882. He completed his teacher's training course at Tri-State Normal college, Angola, Ind., and taught four terms in schools in the Swiss Mennonite settlement in the Bluffton-Pandora area.

Upon confession of faith in the Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, Rev. Elder John Moser baptized him on Good Friday, April 23, 1886 and extended him the right hand of fellowship.

Mr. Steiner arrived in Salem, Oregon on Jan. 15, 1890. After working one year as a clerk in the grocery store of his nephew, Ike Steiner, he taught school in Oregon and Washington for 16 years. He farmed until 1944.

He was one of the 26 charter members when the Waldo Hills Mennonite church was organized in May 1891. Rev. John B. Baer, General Conference itinerant minister (reiseprediger) assisted in perfecting the organization. Rev. John Rich was its first pastor and Daniel J. Steiner its first Sunday school superintendent. He also served the Sunday school of the Emmanuel Mennonite church at Pratum, Oregon in the same capacity from 1919 to 1925. He was songleader and choir director at Menno, Wash. and Pratum, Oregon for 25 years.

He was married to Pauline Gerber on April 9, 1891. They celebrated their golden wedding on April 20, 1941 at the country home near Pratum. Mother Pauline departed this life Sept. 24, 1943. To this union five children were born, two of whom preceded him in death, Lillie Ella Harder and Florence Della Hiebert, both of Salem, Oregon. He is survived by three children, Pearl Schaad of Salem, Oregon, John D. Steiner of Silverton, Oregon and Elmer A. Steiner of Pioneer, Ohio, and seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Pratum Mennonite church on Feb. 13, with Rev. Allen Tschiegg and Rev. J. M. Franz officiating. Interment was made in the Pratum cemetery.