Francis “Frank” Raymond Steinman

Date of Death: March 13, 2026

Service Details

The family will receive friends Monday, March 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Verse by Verse Church, 300 Enterprise Dr., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m., with Pastor John Koller officiating.

Obituary Notice

Francis “Frank” Raymond Steinman, 80, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family while holding the hand of his beloved wife.

Frank was born September 9, 1945, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the son of Delmar and Flora (Mileham) Steinman. He grew up on the family farm in Charlotte alongside his siblings Delma (Kenneth), Russell (Joyce), Edwin (Dorothy), and Sue (Rex)—whom he affectionately called “Lefty.”

A standout athlete at Charlotte High School, Frank excelled in football and baseball, playing third base. He liked being an infielder so he didn’t have to chase his mistakes. He graduated with the Class of 1963 and attended Western Michigan University before being drafted into the United States Army.

Frank began his Army service with basic and advanced training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, on May 18, 1966. In March of 1967, he deployed to Doc Pho, South Vietnam, with the 125th Air Traffic Control Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, serving as an air traffic controller. He attained the rank of E4 and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1972.

Following his military service, Frank continued his career as an air traffic controller in Indianapolis, beginning on Wednesday, June 12, 1968. He proudly served for 39 years, eight months, and 17 days, retiring on February 29, 2008—a leap day—so he wouldn’t have to wait another four years. During his career, he proudly reported to work through the PATCO Strike of 1981 and the events of 9/11.

Frank married Sandra Brown on August 15, 1969, in Lansing. Their son, Jaime Scott Steinman, was born January 19, 1971, and preceded him in death on March 4, 1997.

Frank was active in the Ben Davis High School Band Boosters, played adult league softball, and took great pride in keeping his cars pristine. He enjoyed spending time at Silver Lake and throughout Northern Michigan.

A loyal lifelong Michigan State University Spartan, Frank was rarely seen without his Spartan green. He followed Spartan football, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball, but his greatest passion was Spartan baseball. He traveled across the country to watch the team play and was an active supporter of the First Pitch Dinner, cherishing the friendships that became like family. He also faithfully attended the annual MSU band concert in support of Sparrow Hospital.

Frank began dating “his favorite wife,” Jaye, in the spring of 2014—sparked by a custom Corn Flakes box she had made for him while working at Kellogg’s. He proposed on her birthday, March 10, 2018, and they were married on April 13, 2018, the anniversary of their first date. Frank adored and doted on Jaye until the very end, never missing an opportunity to show his love and appreciation for her. Through their marriage, they grew together in a deep love for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and enjoyed Sunday worship and sermons at Verse by Verse Church in Three Rivers, where Frank formed many close friendships.

Frank treasured time with his family, especially welcoming the birth of his grandchildren. He proudly served as pool “guard duty,” ensuring there were no drinks in the water and that his grandsons weren’t jumping in from the top deck rail. Known for his sweet tooth, Frank never let the candy cupboard run low. A top customer of the Weenie Kings hot dog truck, he enjoyed daily visits with Mike to “shoot the bull,” and he ended nearly every day with a well-deserved bowl of ice cream. He also took great joy in surprising newly met friends by handing out $2 bills, a simple gesture that reflected his generosity and love of making people smile.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Jaye Steinman; children Chelsea (Don Saso) Morrill, Cameron (Marceline) Nevins, and Calley (Keith) Green, who selflessly assisted in caring for Frank during his final months and whom he lovingly referred to as his “BSN.” He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren McKenna, Macyn, and Carson Morrill; Trace, Emily and Cooper Saso; Grady, Kasen, Evaley and Juliana Nevins; Kyrin and Kamdyn Green; and his lifelong best friend and Army buddy, Lyle Leatherbery.

Additional Information

Memorial donations in Frank’s memory may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators or Verse by Verse Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Hohner Funeral Home.

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