Our Staff

Our Staff

Each of the staff members at Steinke Funeral Homes is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know our staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.

 Michael Steinke

Funeral Director

Mike joined the family business in 2010. He grew up in Rensselaer and graduated from RCHS. He earned his Bachelors degree in Business Management from Indiana University. Before joining the family business, he worked in retail sales management in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and the Chicago area. He graduated with honors from Ivy Tech Northwest with his Associates degree in Mortuary Science. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, the Rensselaer Lions Club, the Rensselaer Alumni Association, and the Rensselaer Urban Forestry Council, where he serves as secretary. Mike is a licensed Funeral Director and is a licensed Indiana Life Insurance Producer. He is an agent of Homesteaders Life Company.

 Jerry VanWienen

Funeral Director

Jerry is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and has been affiliated with Steinke Funeral Home for over 40 years. He takes great pride in creating memorable, personalized services for our families. Jerry started his funeral service career in 1970 at the age of 17 with a part-time position at Linton & McColly Funeral Home in Gary. After graduation from Lew Wallace High School in 1971, he took a full-time position at Stilinovich & Palmer Funeral Home, also in Gary. In 1979 he moved his family to Rensselaer and began his affiliation with Steinke Funeral Home in 1983. Jerry is a graduate of Ivy Tech East Chicago with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a former member of the Advisory Board for the Mortuary Science Program at Ivy Tech East Chicago. He is a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Jerry and his wife Cindy live on a farm near Francesville. He enjoys song writing and wood working.

 Debi Hayes

Administrative Assistant

Originally from the Jasper County area, Debi moved to Houston in 1987. She and her husband Dwight raised two daughters and enjoyed life in the south for over thirty years. After her husband's retirement in 2017, Debi and Dwight decided to move back to their hometown of Rensselaer. Debi has over 25 years of experience working in an office environment. She worked for many years in accounting and has even earned recognition in her role as an Office Manager. Debi enjoys spending time with her family, especially her beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys helping others, knitting and sewing.

Jennifer Cain

Service Assistant

Jennifer grew up in Newton County, graduating from North Newton High School in 1993. She now lives in Rensselaer with her family; husband Brandon, two sons Drew and Dawson, and step-son Mick. Jennifer is an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. She joined Steinke Funeral Home with experience in healthcare and business management. Jennifer enjoys reading, helping others and spending time with her family.

Rich Moore

Service Assistant

Rich is a lifelong Rensselaer area resident. He is a member of the Executive Board and President of the Jasper County Fair Association. He and his wife, Tina, enjoy camping, antiques and flea markets.

Calvin Steinke

Service Assistant

Calvin is a lifelong Rensselaer resident. He and wife Angie have been married for over 50 years. They have three daughters: Mia, Carol and Kelly. Calvin is retired from the Rensselaer Central School Corporation. He is a former bus driver for Saint Joseph's College, Fair Oaks Farms, and the Rensselaer Central School Corporation. He is a member of Iroquois Valley Christian Church in Rensselaer.

Max Prouty

Service Assistant



Mason Walker

Service Assistant




Kim Drone

Administrative Assistant

Kim assists with answering the funeral home phone. She grew up in Rensselaer and graduated from RCHS. She graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine, and Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy. She is a Physical Therapist specializing in early intervention with young children. She is a parishioner at St. Augustine Catholic Church. She is married to Dr. Michael Drone and they have four children: Carter, Carly, Carson and Camryn. 

Cindy VanWienen

Service Assistant

Cindy helps her husband, Jerry, in providing compassionate service to our client families.She joined Steinke Funeral Home after retiring from US Steel with 33 years of service. She is married to Jerry and has one daughter, Shelby. Cindy attends Bethel Bible Church where she sings on the Worship Team. She also sings with the Jasper County Choraliers. Cindy enjoys roasting coffee and teaches coffee roasting at Career Development in Burns Harbor.

Suzanne Steinke

Owner

Suzanne is a lifelong area resident who has dedicated her life to helping others. She is a 1960 graduate of Rensselaer High School and a graduate of the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Suzanne was a Registered Nurse for 45 years, and was an EMT and Paramedic for 23 years. Suzanne and husband Larry owned and operated Steinke Ambulance Service in Rensselaer for 32 years. She was a founding member of Victorious Life Assembly of God Church in Remington, attends Brookside Church in Rensselaer, and is a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church in Panama City, FL. Suzanne is enjoying retirement and is dividing her time between Rensselaer and Panama City Beach, FL.

Larry Steinke

In Loving Memory

Larry opened Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer in 1973. He was affiliated with the funeral home since graduating high school, when the funeral home was Bradshaw Funeral Home, and later Granlund Funeral Home. He was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 30 years. He dedicated his life to serving others, and provided compassionate service to hundreds of families over the years. He passed away January 27, 2021. We left us a wonderful legacy and we miss him very much.

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