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Richard Lynn “Dick” Steinberger, 85, of Sarasota, Florida and Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Richard lived a full and happy life. He and his cherished wife, Nancy, had a partnership of love, support and devotion. He is dearly missed.

Richard was born March 24, 1939, the beloved son of Dorothy Dolan Dunn Steinberger and Harold Vernon Steinberger in Columbus, Ohio. He was their only precious child. As a boy, his family moved to Lakewood, Ohio, on the west side of Cleveland. There he pursued interests in baseball, taking the streetcar to the Cleveland Indians games, playing basketball from childhood and throughout high school, where he played forward. His summer vacations visiting family in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Minnesota formed his interest in fishing, playing games, and making memories with his parents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Dick was an excellent student and exemplary leader from a young age. He served as President of the Student Council in senior year of high school. He met the love of his life and best friend, Nancy, at Lakewood High School when he was a junior and Nancy, a sophomore. The pair were generous, happy and joyful together. When Dick left for college, they wrote letters several times a week. Dick continued to lead others and served as President of his freshman class at Purdue University, then changed majors and transferred to Butler University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He went on to earn his law degree from Ohio State University. He married his lifelong best friend and love of his life, Nancy, in 1961.

Richard began his professional career as an attorney in Dayton, Ohio. His intelligence and resourcefulness helped him win cases as well as the respect and admiration of his colleagues. In researching a case as a young attorney, he consulted with a geologist with whom he struck a common interest. When the case concluded, they formed a new business partnership and then established a natural resources exploration company. This was the beginning of Dick's successful career in international business, building connections and forging opportunities along the way and forming enduring friendships as well. He really appreciated all of the dedicated, talented people he had the good fortune to work alongside throughout his professional life.

Dick and Nancy welcomed children, Amy and Mitchell, in the 1960s. Dick was a positive, encouraging and generous father. Dad showed us the fundamental value of learning; what it looked like to be a gracious and considerate spouse, and what it meant to have a consistent, strong work ethic. He was a wonderful example of a caring, thoughtful son and son-in-law, helping especially his mother, Dorothy, manage health challenges in her final years. Sometimes indirectly, he also taught us important life lessons such as taking care of one’s physical health, pursuing interests to bring another level of satisfaction to life and the significance of making memories with family and friends. Christmas and springtime car trips were filled with music and Dad's singing along the way. Our family of four experienced many fantastic vacations - enjoying Florida sunshine and beaches, Minnesota cabins and fishing, California ranch horse riding and family pool time.

Richard avidly pursued many interests and hobbies throughout his life. Genealogy and family history were great sources of joy and discovery for the past 50 years. As a younger adult, he and Nancy raised St. Bernard show dogs, partnering with others to improve the breed. Dick edited and co-wrote a comprehensive book about these wonderful dogs, The St. Bernard Classic.

When Amy and Mitch were in school, the family would go to Reds games, including the exciting peak years of the Big Red Machine in the mid-70s.Richard was passionate about good food and the fine wines to go with it - as well as the regions of the USA where the best wine-making takes place. He shared this enthusiasm with family and friends, never missing an opportunity to treat us to a memorable, extra-special meal.

Some of his favorite sources of entertainment included The Boston Pops, especially for the 4th of July, choir singing, especially the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Christmas, The Ohio State University marching band at St. John’s arena in Columbus before the football game, the Pine Club steakhouse in Dayton, Ohio, Bern’s Steakhouse & Cafe Baci in Florida, TraVigne and Domaine Chandon in northern California; Sardine, Biaggi’s and Ruth’s Chris in Madison, and special places around the country and around the world. In addition to his travels for business purposes, Richard, along with Nancy, felt lucky to travel for pleasure to many wonderful places around the world. They had notable trips to China, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and many countries throughout Europe and Africa.

Richard really enjoyed sports and was a huge fan of both college and NFL football - especially the Ohio State Buckeyes and as a boy, the Cleveland Browns. Later in life, he followed and loved the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. (And anywhere special Buckeye athletes play in the pros). Dick also loved playing and watching basketball throughout his life. He played as a young man, then cheered on the Buckeyes during their NCAA championship years in the early 1960s. Later, as a father, he’d play in the driveway with Amy and Mitch, coaching fundamentals - “Shoot from your legs!”, teaching a good bounce pass and the way to sink a sweet hook shot! He followed college hoops, most recently cheering on the Butler Bulldogs as well as the Duke Blue Devils. He remained a fan of the NBA - he and Nancy watched the games most every evening, along with favorite game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune!

Among his greatest joys in later years were times when he could be with his grandchildren. Playing, singing or reading with them; listening to their stories, interests. And naturally, making sure they could get their favorite things to eat!

Richard lived as an example of the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you…. When he learned of a loved one's favorite indulgence, he would often surprise them with a gift of that desired item at the next suitable occasion. When he found an opportunity to help a friend or family member, he never hesitated and was generous - almost to a fault.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy (Orewiler) Steinberger of Madison, Wis.; daughter, Amy (Brian) Kishter of Madison, Wis.; son, Mitchell (Aimee) of Canyon Country, Calif.; grandchildren, Benjamin (Megan) Kishter, Stephanie Kishter, Rose and Jasmine Steinberger; close cousins, Alan (Valerie) Demos, Eleanor Demos, Ellie (Brian) Tonack and Carolyn (Tom) Niesen; nephew, Matthew (Michele) Weibel; niece, Carey (Johnny) Keene; and many special extended family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

The family would like to thank Richard’s compassionate caregivers over the past couple of years, particularly Dr. David Rakel, Dr. Roy Jhagroo, and Dr. David Ciske of Madison, as well as the ICU nurses at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to Richard’s celebration of life at Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Care, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday and also at after the service at 2:45 p.m.

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In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family asks that you consider donating to Doctors without Borders - a wonderful organization supporting medical care for people all over the globe, especially in developing and war-torn nations. It's a small world, after all!

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

Middleton, WI 53562

(608) 831-6761

Richard Steinberger

March 24, 1939 - March 22, 2025

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