Kenneth Steiner

Kenneth Steiner, lovingly known as Big Ken, Papa, Grandpa, and Super Grandpa, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in San Antonio, TX, at the age of 85.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 18, 1939, to Sam and Annamarie Steiner, Kenneth grew up in Chicago and later lived in Los Angeles with his maternal grandmother, Josephine Walker. He was a husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose warmth and wisdom touched everyone who knew him. His strength and humor and boundless love, and pride for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him as Super Grandpa live on in the stories they share. 

Kenneth enlisted in the USAF in 1960 and served overseas in Goose Bay, Canada, from 1962-63 and in Vietnam from 1968-69. He served at several USAF bases in Texas, graduated from the NCO Academy, and finished his enlisted service as a senior master sergeant with the logistics division of Air Training Command at Randolph AFB. After retiring from active duty in 1980, he returned to Randolph in civil service and participated in projects toward the establishment of JBSA, rising to senior management and retiring in 1997. He worked the next five years as a bus driver for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD while also volunteering as a driver for Brooke Army Medical Center and Meals on Wheels. He moved to Frisco, TX, in 2006 and returned to San Antonio in 2024 to live at Franklin Park Sonterra Retirement Home until his death.

Kenneth loved swimming, books, movies, current events, and cooking his famous “Papa Sauce” spaghetti for his beloved family. 

Kenneth is survived by his wife Nancy Steiner, daughter Kim Nichols (Alan), son Scott Steiner (Kayla), daughter Pamila Jeffries (David), stepdaughter Carrie Dawson (Mike), and brother Ron Steiner (Sue), grandchildren Christopher Nichols, David Nichols, Kelsie Nanez, Michael Steiner, Kaitlyn Steiner, Ryan Steiner, Amanda Jeffries, Emily Aguilera, Rebecca Hammond, Ashley Jeffries, and John Bradley Scott, 7 great grandchildren, and former wife Wanda Trembly. He also leaves behind many friends from his military service and neighborhood in Frisco, TX.

A celebration honoring Ken’s life will be held on June 2, 2025, at Ft. Sam National Cemetery.