Vernon Otto Steinberg—a beloved husband, dad, and Pawpaw—passed away on December 10, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Vern was a devoted and loving husband to Ruth Steinberg (nee Winkler) for 31 years, and his pride and joy were his daughters Beth Johnson and Susan Fels; grandchildren Megan Ponsar (Hayden Ponsar), Sara Johnson (Kenneth Distefano), and Jacob Fels; and his great-grandson Roman Ponsar. He will be profoundly missed and joyfully remembered.
Vern was born and raised in Gray Summit, Missouri on October 18, 1937, to Frank and Olivia Steinberg. Vern grew up with his older sister, Gladys, and as a child, he cherished being able to walk across the road from his family’s home to spend time with his grandpa, Otto Schuster. Always a stellar student, he graduated from Washington High School in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in 1959. Vern had a long and rewarding career working as the Treasurer – Vice President and Assistant Secretary at Laclede Gas from 1960 to 1996 and was a valued colleague to many.
Vern found the love and light of his life in Ruth Winkler; they were married on October 1, 1994. Vern and Ruth welcomed their first grandbaby the next year in 1995, another in 1998, and their final in 1999. Their 31 years of marriage were full of travel, time with friends and family, and making lasting memories. They especially loved exploring lighthouses all over the country. Vern and Ruth spent their summers together at their condo on Salter Path Road in Indian Beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There they made deeply cherished life-long friends, spent countless hours hunting for seashells along the shore, drank a whole lot of beer, and hosted many family members and friends for fun getaways. Vern and Ruth spent their winters as snowbirds lounging on the beaches of Florida and Vern playing the golf courses.
Vern was known for his quick-witted mind and sharp intellect, and he delighted in mischievous antics and telling perfectly timed jokes. Vern was above all, the most earnest, sincere, principled, and thoughtful man. Those who have had the delight of knowing him will have an endless supply of silly stories to tell each other forevermore. Our Vern—our Pawpaw—was a treasure.
Service Information: Please join us in honoring Vern’s life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton (10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123). The visitation will start at 2:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Luke’s Hospital in Vern’s memory. Donations can be made at https://www.stlukes-stl.com/contribute/in-honor-in-memory
What a beautifully written description of a man who lived a life full of love. Sending hugs, strength and love to your family during this heartbreaking time.
I am proud to know and have known Vern. I hope that my late wife Mary and I are included in the list of “deeply cherished life-long friends”! The next time a “rogue” wave hits the beach I will know who sent it. My condolences to Ruth, Beth, and all the extended family.
Vernon was a wonderful uncle who created many beautiful memories for me during my childhood. His sarcastic wit and charm was always making someone laugh and smile. His work ethic which he got from his parents was second to none and he loved his family and would do anything to make them happy. Prayers to the entire family, especially Ruth, Beth, Sue and the grandkids. He will never be forgotten in memory. Love, Jim
Ruth and Vern were friends Judy and I had in Florida. I enjoyed golfing with Vern and both of us enjoyed their company especially on margarita Wednesdays and enjoying their wonderful hospitality on Superbowl Sundays.
Love, Bob and Judy Field.