Longtime Lutheran educator Rev. Dr. Alan H. Steinbach dies

Steinbach

The Rev. Dr. Alan H. Steinbach — who served on the LCMS Board for Higher Education Services (BHES) from 1985 until his retirement in 1998 — died April 7 in Richmond, Va. He was 87.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2315 N. Parham Road in Richmond, with visitation immediately preceding the service, beginning at noon. Interment will take place at Westhampton Memorial Cemetery in Richmond following the service.

Steinbach joined the BHES in 1985. In 1987, he accepted a call to serve as director of Student Personnel Services for the board.

Steinbach had a long history as a Lutheran educator, including as a day school principal at Grace Lutheran, San Diego, and academic dean at St. John’s College, Winfield, Kan., and Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.

He held a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University, Nebraska); master’s degrees in education from San Diego State University and chemistry from University of Arizona; and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas at Austin. He received his pastoral colloquy from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Steinbach was active in numerous state and local civic organizations and authored several publications on science and higher-education topics.

Commenting on Steinbach’s life and legacy, LCMS Southeastern District President Rev. Dr. John R. Denninger noted, “Dr. Steinbach left an amazing legacy working in several significant realms of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, but especially on the hearts of those who knew him. There is no greater work than that of impacting the life of another with the life and the love of Jesus. It has eternal significance.”

Steinbach is survived by his son, Steven (Betsy) Steinbach of Washington, D.C.; his daughter, Carol (Robert) Sperry of Richmond, Va.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Wischmeier Steinbach; his sister, Lila Hanks; and his brother, Jon David Steinbach.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2315 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, and

Concordia University System, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.

Posted April 11, 2018