Wayne "Dan" Steiner

W. Daniel Steiner, 75 of Bellaire, died April 23, 2022 at home while preparing to enjoy another wonderful summer on the beautiful waters of Torch Lake.

   Dan was born May 25, 1946 in Charlevoix the son of Wayne and Dolores (Youngedike).  He was a top scholar and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1964.  He excelled in football, basketball and track even earning All-State honors.  He was active with Herb Riley and the Explorer Scouts adventuring across the U.P and Canada camping and canoeing on many weekends and during the summer. 

   After high school Dan attended and graduated from U of M majoring in Geography and minoring in pool, poker, and bridge.  He moved home to continue working in his family’s business as the 4th generation of Steiner Building Services until his retirement.  Dan was a well-respected finish carpenter that many learned from and chances are if you had a house built by Dan you’ll find a pink Tab can in your cement bricks, his signature drink of choice for many years.

   Sports were important to Dan.  He helped coach the Bellaire high school football and baseball teams for several years.  He was a part of the Bellaire football chain gang for 29 years and helped to build the original buildings, bleachers, and ball fields at Craven Park.  Dan also was responsible for starting the Chain O’ Lakes softball men’s league and was active in it for many years. 

   Dan loved boating and spending time on the water in either Torch Lake or Siesta Key’s, FL.  In preparing for their winters in Florida, Dan and Todd would collect cans for their “shrimp fund” to buy bait for the many fishing excursions they enjoyed on the gulf. He loved fishing no matter where he was and his annual fishing trip to Canada. 

   The loss of Dan’s children led him to two of his greatest accomplishments. Dan was instrumental from inception, design, and building of the Grand Traverse Industries Sports Complex in memory of Todd and Bellaire’s Track and Field area in memory of Heidi. Dan dedicated countless hours, time, and materials to keep his children’s memories alive forever. 

   Dan was a Master Gardner.  He spent many hours a day, spring, summer, and fall, tending his crop and sharing his bounty with family and friends.  He was known to have the best corn in Bellaire.  He canned his produce just like he did for years with his mother and froze it too so they could enjoy it all year long.  With all that produce and all that fishing, Dan became a master chef.  He loved to cook, grill, and even grocery shop.  He was passionate about food and it showed in his creations and the flavors of what he made.  Again, he loved to share his meals with his family and friends. 

   Dan was a well-respected community member.  He was a Forest Home Township Trustee and on the Zoning Board and Planning Board.  He often took care of his neighbors when he saw they needed something done without expecting anything in return.  He was creative and resourceful in repairing and making devices to fix things. 

   On July 24, 1971 in Grosse Pointe Woods, he married Ann Marie Nolting who survives.  Also surviving are his brother Scott (Karen) Steiner and his children Scott (Jamie) Steiner, Jeff (Emily) Steiner, Nick (Alissa) Steiner, brother in law Dan Stenberg and his children Mark (Tammy) Stenberg, Cathryn (Ron) Johnston, Amy (Bob) Schlotterer, brother in law Phil Hood and his children John Hood, Mollie (Josh) Smith, dear cousins Patty (Mike) Moceri, Don (Dorothy) Kromm, David (Amy) Peash, Michael (Norah) Peash, Roger (Barb) Kromm, Duane (Marilyn) Kromm, and many great nieces and nephews and other cousins too. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Heidi, son Todd, sister Linda Stenberg, sister in law Linda Hood, and nephew Michael Steiner. 

   Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7th at 11 a.m. at the Bellaire High School Gymnasium with Pastor Tom Ash and Pastor Dan Phillips officiating.  A luncheon will follow.  Dan will be laid to rest next to his children in Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire.  The family will receive friends Friday, May 6th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes and again Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Bellaire High School Gymnasium.

   Memorial contributions can be given to the Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) Todd Steiner Memorial Christmas Party.  This was a part of Dan and Ann’s life for many years and Ann wishes to continue carrying on Todd’s legacy with this fund at Christmas time for all of his friends at GTI.  Donations can be mailed to Alden State Bank, PO BOX 1169, Bellaire, MI 49615.  Donations can also be given to Munson Medical Center, Cardiac Unit, Floor 4, 1105 6th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

   Dan was an avid University of Michigan fan.  Please help us honor Dan by wearing his favorite colors, Maize and Blue!  GO BLUE! THUMBS UP!

   Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign Dan’s online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.