John Thomas Steinmann

John T. \"Tom\" Steinmann, age 73, of Highland, IL., died Monday, October 1, 2007, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born April 4, 1934, in Highland, IL., the son of Frank and Mary (Woltering) Steinmann. He grew up in Highland and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1952. Mr. Steinmann was in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-57. He was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan, in 1953-1954 and flew as loadmaster on a C124 Globemaster cargo aircraft. Special missions included flying supplies to Pakistan flood victims in February 1953, flying equipment to India\'s earthquake victims in May 1953, bringing wounded French soldiers out of Indo China (Vietnam) while the base was under enemy attack in June 1954, and hauling atomic bombs from their storage base to a bomber base in two practice missions on the go for 24 hours a day for three days in August 1954. He also did a goodwill tour to Australia and New Zealand for three weeks in September 1954 and airdropped cargo into Alaska in a cold weather test in 1956. In 1967 he joined the US Air Force Reserves for 12 years. From 1958-59 he owned and operated Green Lantern Tavern, and in 1972 he purchased Eagle Inn (Columbia Hotel, Bonn Inn) now known as Eagle Inn Apartments, which he still operated. Mr. Steinmann worked for the Civil Service for 30 years as an Aircraft Technician, retiring in 1989. He restored many older homes in Highland and served on the Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a community volunteer and very hard worker. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church - Highland, IL. He was also a member of VFW Post 5694, Highland (Commander 1982); American Legion Lee Iten Post 439, Highland (Commander 1977); Highland Historical Society; Highland Helvetia Sharpshooters Society; Swiss Striders; Carlyle Audubon Society; Midwest Bird & Animal Breeders; Southern IL Bonsia Club; St. Louis Iris Club; Catholic Holy Name Society; Loyal Order of the Moose 2479, Edwardsville; Weinheimer Senior Citizens, Highland; Knights of Columbus 1580-Highland; National Rifle Assoc.; INRA; AMVETS; Highland Jaycees (Charter Member); Highland Pistol & Rifle Club; US Air Force Reserves Club; Natl Federation of Federal Employees. Survivors include Special friend of over 30 years-Dorris Stone Steinmann of Highland, Ill., Son-Thomas E. (Jane) Steinmann of Highland, Ill., Daughter-Michell A. (Tom) Rakers of Jamestown, Ill., Daughter-Maria J. (John) Deibert of Grantfork, Ill., Son-Timothy J. (Kathy) Steinmann, Sr. of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Jeremy S. Goebel of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Rishell A. (Fiance Cory Kues) Rakers of New Baden, Ill., Grandchild-Jennifer M. Morstain of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Jake C. Rakers of Jamestown, Ill., Grandchild-Timothy J. Steinmann, II of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Alanna K. Steinmann of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Daniel T. Deibert of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Steven Taylor of Highland, Ill., Gr Grandchild-Alex Taylor, Gr Grandchild-Lucas T.A. Kues, Brother-Daniel W. (Melba) Steinmann of Chesterfield, Mo., Sister-Verneda Rowe of Highland, Ill., Sister-Janet Rector of Olathe, Kan., Nieces & Nephews, Former Wife-L. Ann Steinmann, nee Lease of Highland, Ill (Married 1958, Divorced 1970). He was preceeded in death by Father-Frank S. Steinmann (DOD 12/12/75), Mother-Mary Francis Steinmann, nee Woltering (DOD 7/7/90). Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

John Thomas Steinmann

April 4, 1934 - October 1, 2007