David Steinmark

Jan. 10, 1941 — March 1, 2009

 MONTROSE — David A. Steinmark, age 68, of Montrose, Colo., joined his Savior in paradise on the morning of March 1, 2009, at his home in Montrose.

David was born in Scottsbluff, Neb., on Jan. 10, 1941, to Dave and Elsie (Eckhardt) Steinmark. He spent his childhood on his parents’ farm in Nebraska and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1959. He attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Ill. He focused his career on the power generation industry working for Nebraska Public Power District, Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. He brought his leadership, knowledge and expertise to the position of Plant Supervisor at Blue Mesa Hydroelectric Dam, retiring in December of 2006. Throughout his career, he received many awards and was recognized for his dedicated service and problem-solving skills.

On June 5, 1960, he married Barbara A. Reitz in a traditional German wedding in Scottsbluff, Neb. Together they enjoyed 48 beautiful years of marriage making their home in Nebraska, South Dakota, Arizona and finally Colorado. Their family was always Dave’s top priority and together they raised three children. To his children, he was the steadfast pillar of strength who guided their lives with his unconditional love. To his grandchildren, Dave was the grandpa who made every occasion fun. Among many other things, Barb and Dave shared their strong Christian faith and love of the outdoors. Camping, fishing and riding ATVs with family and friends at some of their favorite sites in Colorado were some of their cherished activities.

Dave is joyfully remembered for his love and dedication to his family, his wonderful sense of humor, incredible carpentry skills, meticulous attention to detail and his ability to fix nearly anything. His special brand of situational humor brought smiles and laughter to those who knew him.

Dave’s strength and character were demonstrated in his actions, words and deeds. Dave cared deeply about the people around him. In his work, he set high standards of expectations for achievement and was the first to commend and encourage others.

He was an amazing husband, father, brother, son and friend. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and children, Stuart (wife Sue [Hubert], children: Sharyl, Scott and Steven), Stacy [husband Sean Brumley], children: Blythe, Joshua, Nicolai, and Natasha), and Rebecca (husband Rich Coulter, child: Riah). Dave and Barb have eight grandchildren and are expecting their first great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, John Steinmark and wife, Sharon, of Scottsbluff, Neb. and their children Trevor, Shelley and families. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister.

A funeral service in honor and celebration of Dave’s life will be officiated by Pastor Ben Garate on Friday, March 6, 2009, at 1 p.m., at Sunset Mesa Funeral Director’s Chapel in Montrose. Visitation for family and friends will precede the service. Interment and a graveside service will follow the funeral at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave’s honor can be made to San Juan Cancer Center, 600 S. 5th St., Montrose, CO 81401 and Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.

Visit our Web site, sign the online register and send condolences to his family at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.

Arrangements are being handled under the direction, care and have been entrusted to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 240-9870.