February 9, 1940 ~ October 23, 2022
Born in Bemidji, Minnesota, he lived in Gemmell, Minnesota until 1945 when the family moved to his Father’s logging camp near Big Fork, Minnesota. He spent 7 happy years living in “the Camp”. He graduated from Northome High School in 1958 and went on to St. John’s University where he studied accounting and economics, graduating in 1962. He spent two years on active duty at Fort Knox and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1964. He met Mary Sara Nei in the winter of 1965 and they married in October of that year. In 1966 son Greg was born followed one year later by Matt. Daughter Anne arrived from Vietnam in 1975 (born ’74). They moved to a small farm in rural Eagan in 1967 when Max started an excavation company. His brothers joined him in the late 60’s and his sons joined in the early 90’s. In 1995 he and son Greg split off to form Max Steininger, Inc. where Max served as president until his retirement in 2005. He took great pride in his business and the employees who helped make it a success. He continued to be involved at work right until his death. Max was well read and especially enjoyed military history and philosophy. He and Mary traveled extensively and made many trips to Bavaria to see his Aunts, Uncles, and many German cousins. Much time was spent with family and friends at their cabin near Webster, Wisconsin. He also loved to snowmobile, riding many of thousands of miles per year all over the upper Midwest. Max died peacefully at home after a 3 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by father, Martin; mother, Theresa; stepmother, Margarete; brother, Martin; sisters, Elizabeth and Theresa (Ken Peterson). He is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary; brothers, Joe (Lynn) and Hubert; sisters, Frances and Elizabeth; sons, Greg (Angie) and Matt; daughter, Anne (Rick) Capitani; grandchildren, Max, Hans, Oscar, Henry, QuQu Holman, Gretchen, Leni, May, Alex and Mary. A wake will be held at Robert’s Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, on Wednesday, November 2nd from 4 to 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1405 HWY 13, Mendota, MN 55150, at 11 am on Thursday November 3rd with a 10 am visitation.