John Joseph Steinauer, age 59, passed away at his home in Rural Retreat, Virginia on July 12, 2024. John was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska where he attended Lincoln Southeast High School. After obtaining his degree in Anthropology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he would later join the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and achieve the rank of Captain. While in the USMC, he would earn his master's degree in Urban Planning from UNL. He would begin his career in chemical and emergency response planning and eventually move to North Carolina where he spent the majority of his professional career at IEM.

John is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Grace, and Thomas; his ex-wife, Sun Hui Shin; his mom, Lou Ann Abele; his stepfather, Floyd Abele; and his siblings, Dorothy, Annette, Katy, Kevin, and Patty. He is preceeded in death by his father, Leonard Steinauer and his infant sister, Francis Ann Steinauer.

John Steinauer was loved by many. He was a kind, gentle, well rounded man with a large heart. From lending an ear, giving advice, financial aid, or assisting with any challengings fixes, he was always willing to help those in need. John lived life with a positive mindset and believed that with a solid plan and putting one foot in front of the other, there wasn't a problem that couldn't be solved. He was very passionate about his job and accomplishments, but most of all, his children. Through facing major illnesses, difficulties, and even catalyzing the creation of an adoption law in Nebraska, the evidence for his love was ever present. His kids never looked like him and he never cared. To him, it didn't matter where they came from, his children were his pride and joy. As they grew up, he would never miss the chance to rave about their lives and achievements. Whether he was talking about his family, his work, or the numerous topics he was knowledgeable about, John hoped to inspire and celebrate life through word and action.