Steinke Named Moraine Parks Distinguished Alumnus

It was evident to those around her: The late Nancy Steinke of Fond du Lac genuinely loved her work in nursing homes. She loved providing compassionate care to her residents. She loved comforting families in need.

For these reasons and more, Moraine Park Technical College recognized Steinke as its 2017 Distinguished Alumnus award winner. Her family was presented the honor during the College’s annual student awards banquet on May 12.

“Nancy was the ultimate caregiver. When I had cancer she would stop at the house with hot soup just to make sure that I was OK,” said Mary Cody, who nominated Steinke for the award.

Steinke graduated from Moraine Park in 1975 and received a diploma as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and then obtained her state licensure. She grew up in Fond du Lac and was a 1969 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy.

As she gained experience in her profession, Steinke was granted licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator. She worked at Rolling Meadows Nursing Home AND was the Administrator at Calumet Homestead Rehabilitation Center in New Holstein and the Christian Home & Rehabilitation Center, Inc., in Waupun. For more than a decade, she was a partner and eventually became sole owner of Touchstone Living Center in North Fond du Lac.

“She considered the residents of Touchstone like family, making sure that they had the best care possible. Visitors were made to feel very welcome, and many times [she’d end up] having dinner with their family members,” Cody said.

Apart from her passionate work of helping others through her profession, Steinke also actively supported her community in many other ways. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Community, the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #57, Eagles Aerie 270, Fond du Lac Yacht Club, Weight Watchers and the Windhover Center for the Arts (now THELMA). She was a real estate broker, had owned a CURVES franchise in Waupun and was a volunteer at Walleye Weekend and the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Steinke also served on the board for the Hospice Charity Open.

Steinke also supported her alma mater, Moraine Park, by regularly attending Gourmet Dinners – an event designed to raise money for student scholarships and emergency financial assistance – and by hiring Moraine Park health professionals, office help and culinary graduates.

Even after her passing, this support has continued. After she passed away on February 22, 2016, Steinke’s family and friends established the Nancy Steinke Nursing Scholarship for Moraine Park nursing students.

For more information on Moraine Park’s Alumni Association, visit morainepark.edu/alumni.