Jack D. Steinhilber passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center his loving wife, Gail, at his side. He was born on September 14, 1931, in Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rose Steinhilber.

He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1949. He attended Oshkosh State College for one year before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics. In 1955, he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin, School of Law.

Following his admission to the State Bar, Jack began practicing law in Oshkosh. He served as District Attorney for Winnebago County from 1957 to 1964. In 1966, he was elected to the first of two terms in the State Assembly. In 1970, he was elected to the State Senate where he was appointed Assistant Majority Leader. In 1993, the citizens of Winnebago County elected him to the office of Winnebago County Executive. After his term ended, Jack decided to devote his time to business, golf, hobbies, and family. He served "of counsel" to his law firm Steinhilber, Swanson, Mares, Marone and McDermott.

Jack loved politics and was a proud member of the Republican Party. In 1976, he was chairman of the Wisconsin Citizens for Reagan. In 1980, Jack was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Detroit where Governor Reagan was nominated.

Over the years, Jack participated in political, governmental and business affairs. Jack's activities have included real estate development in Oshkosh and Arizona; being a founding Director of West Pointe Bank in Oshkosh; a founding Director of the West Side Association; membership in the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce; Oshkosh Downtown Rotary; Saint John's Lutheran Church; Wisconsin Alumni Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, Winnebago County Bar Association; and Oshkosh Country Club serving as its President in 1988.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gail Floether Steinhilber. Jack and Gail would have celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on July 28th of this year. Jack was very proud of his three children: Jennifer (Mike) Manzler of Cincinnati, OH; Leslie (Mike) Falls of Bristow, VA; and Jack "J.D." (Alicia) Steinhilber Jr. of Nashville, TN. Jack always enjoyed seeing his grandchildren: Jack, Charles, and Harry Manzler; Zachary Parn; Evan and Haden Falls; and Ella Rose and Lily Steinhilber.

Jack loved life and eagerly participated in a wide variety of activities. His love for America was an inspiration to all who knew him. Jack received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Oshkosh West High School in 2001. Jack was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. He and Gail spent the winters at their home in Scottsdale, AZ, where he loved to golf, view art exhibits and spend time with friends. Jack was very proud of his personal library. He was an avid reader and lifetime learner.

Jack was blessed with a deep love of family, friends and country.
Funeral services for Jack Steinhilber will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at the Konrad Behlman Funeral Home-Westside. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from Noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh Foundation for the Gail Floether Steinhilber Art Gallery at Reeve Memorial Union on the UWO campus.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Foley and the nurses at Mercy Medical Center for the compassionate care given to Jack.

Konrad-Behlman
Funeral Home & Crematory
Corner of Witzel Avenue and Lake Pointe Drive
920-232-5485
www.konrad-behlman.com