Bernard M. "Bernie" Steiner

Bernard M. “Bernie” Steiner, 95, of Geneseo, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Genesis Medical Center-East, Davenport Iowa after a brief illness. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 11 at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo. Father Michael Pakula will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo where Military Honors will be accorded by the Don Cherry VFW Post #1303. Visitation for Bernie will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at  Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Bernie’s name to St. Malachy School or the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Bernie was born on August 16, 1923, in Granville, Illinois, the son of Antone & Mary Lesar Steiner. He graduated from United Township High School, East Moline, and St. Ambrose University, Davenport, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy during WWII. Bernie served our country at D-Day, in the invasion of Normandy. He served until 1946 and then enlisted in the Reserves. He served our country again during the Korean War. Bernie married Patricia Dralle on May 15, 1954, in East Moline. He was an independent insurance broker in Geneseo and a real estate agent for 40 years, retiring in 2010. He truly loved his career and was very accomplished. He was a 60-year member of St. Malachy Catholic Church, where he was an usher for 30 years. He served as a trustee on the Church Council. He was a faithful Catholic and never missed Mass, except once while serving in the military. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Moose Lodge. He was one of the original St. Malachy School Board members when the school was founded. Bernie was an avid golfer and a 50-year member of Short Hills Country Club in East Moline. He attended every John Deere Classic Tournament since its beginning 48 years ago. He was fortunate to have golfed across the country at some of the finest golf courses.

Survivors include his wife Patricia; daughters, Melissa Steiner, Denver, CO, and Polly (Kelly) Sherbeyn, Geneseo; grandchildren, Kurt Jensen, Bernard Sherbeyn, and Paxton Sherbeyn; sisters, Beverly Hart Hemphill, Rio Verde, AZ, and Patricia (James) Weir, Moline.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tony, Joseph, and Victor, and sisters Marie Bowling and Margaret Ossian.