David Steinle

David Earle Steinle was born on September 5, 1952, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to Jack and Mary Steinle (Keller). He departed this life on September 8, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 72.

Dave graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and taught high school English in Crane, MO. Following teaching, he went on to lead the IT Department at Silver Dollar City followed by O’Reilly, where he later retired.

Dave was a brilliant man with a mind that was more beautiful and rare than most. He was a natural entertainer, known for telling the most captivating stories (never missing a detail), playing soulful tunes on his guitar, and filling the air with laughter through his sharp wit and perfectly timed humor. He was a lifelong learner and a creature of habit, with a deep passion for reading that was unmatched. In his glory days, Dave embraced the great outdoors, exploring nature through hiking, hunting, boating, biking, and riding his motorcycle. He even spent a brief period living aboard a sailboat, embodying his adventurous spirit. A master chess and card player, Dave challenged himself mentally while living life to the fullest. In his later years, he channeled his experiences into writing, finishing his first book about a series of his life’s greatest adventures, traveling across the country. But above all, Dave’s generosity was one of his most defining traits–He wouldn’t have thought twice to give the shirt off his back. He truly was, most certainly, a Good Man.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Jack P. Steinle.

Dave is survived by his mother, Mary H. Steinle, of Springfield, MO; his siblings: April McDonough (Charles), of Aurora, MO, Jeff Steinle, of Springfield, MO, and Crystal Graham (Dan), of Springfield, MO. He is also survived by his two children: his son, Joel Steinle, of Bella Vista, AR, and his daughter, Arwen Pratt and husband Nathan, of Marshfield, MO.

He was the proud grandfather of six beautiful grandchildren: Kennedy, Boston, Chandler, Layke, Gadsden, and Mayzee. Additionally, he is survived by his nieces and nephew: Erin, Patrick, Lindsay, and Paige.

Please join us for a Wake to celebrate Dave’s life at Maso Pizza Bar on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Let’s gather to honor his memory, share stories, and remember the love and joy he brought to all who knew him. All are welcome as we come together and make a toast to a life beautifully lived.

A private graveside service will be held at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In honor of Dave’s immense love for books of all kinds, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield–Greene County Library.