Donald H. Steinegger, 87, professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, died March 15.
Donald was born Jan. 1, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Henry and Laura (Koester) Steinegger.
He grew up in Milwaukee and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and doctoral degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He taught for several years at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he met Susan West. They were married in 1970.
Steinegger established the Festival of Color yard and garden demonstration show at Nebraska. He was a longtime panelist on “Backyard Farmer.”
Steinegger was known as an amateur chef, baker and lover of fine wine. After retirement, he devoted himself to the cultivation of orchids and served as an officer for the Greater Omaha Orchid Society. He was a member of St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church in Lincoln. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, he loved tending to his garden and numerous pets.
Steinegger is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters, Cathleen Steinegger, Toronto, Canada, and Carolmarie Steinegger (Tom Kelley), Minneapolis, Minnesota; and step-grandchildren Bryce, Mya, Anna and Emily. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Bernice Brekke, Betty Pritzlaff and Marion Schreihart.
A memorial service is 11 a.m. March 21 at St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R St.
The family suggests memorials to St. Mark’s on the Campus or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family’s obituary is available here.
