Allen D. Steinbrenner

Allen D. Steinbrenner, age 82, of Lancaster, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at Orchard Manor in Lancaster surrounded by family and friends, after a long illness.

He is best known for his leadership in agriculture and the resources he brought to the residents of Grant County. A true family man, he was passionate about education and athletics. He mentored numerous 4-H youth in club organizations, and in local, state and national livestock judging teams.

Al was born September 27, 1927, in Mt. Hope, WI, to Roy and Orrel (Allen) Steinbrenner, and he was the only boy amongst the six children. He graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1945, where he played basketball. He went on to serve his country in the United States Navy on the aircraft carrier Antietam as a meteorologist, and also played on numerous Navy basketball teams. Following his service, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he earned a B.S. in Agriculture Education. He was also a letter winner on the Mens Varsity Basketball team which earned two championships in the WI State University Conference, was the Jr. Prom King and the Sr. Class President. He began his long career in youth and adult education in Richland Center, where he served as a 4-H Agent. He met the love of his life Elizabeth Bette OConnor in Richland Center and they were married on July 21, 1956, at the Viroqua United Methodist Church. They moved to Elkhorn where he served as 4-H Agent in Walworth County. He earned his MS degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and moved his family to Grant County in 1966, where he served as the Executive Secretary of the 1967 Farm Progress Days. He was then hired as Grant Countys first Dairy and Livestock Agent. In 1983, he received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents annual meeting. He was an Associate Professor and served on the UW-Extension faculty until his retirement in 1987, with 32 years of federal service. In 1988, he received Emeritus rank. He was active in numerous professional and community organizations; he served as Director and President of the UW-Platteville Agricultural Alumni Association and on committees for the Wisconsin and National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He was a faithful member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church and served as Administrative Board Chairman. Al was a Past President of the Grant County chapter of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Club. He is the recipient of swine and dairy leadership awards from the Grant County Pork Producers Association and the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. Following his retirement, Al and Bette enjoyed extensive travel to over 25 Elderhostels. They also loved to vacation with their children and grandchildren that included trips to his sisters and extended family. Al and his love for life attitude will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Bette, Lancaster, their two daughters, Suzanne (Mike) Hurd of Sammamish, WA and Anne (Steve) Kraus of Plymouth, MN; five cherished grandchildren: Rachel, Emily and Natalie Hurd, and Tom and John Kraus; his sisters: Elizabeth Narloch of Citrus Heights, CA, Eleanor Waterman of Waukesha, WI and numerous nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Miriam Steinbrenner, Esther Johnson and Lois Wepking.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Pastor Barbara Cook officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Prairie Cemetery, Fennimore. Family and friends called on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church and from 9:30 a.m. on Thursday until time of services at the church. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude for all the loving care and concern given to Al by the staff at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials can be made to the Allen D. Steinbrenner 4-H Memorial Fund. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.