Joseph Andrew Steudeman, a lifelong St. Louisan of 79 years, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 with family by his side.
Joe was often cited as “the nicest guy you’d ever meet,” and was a Prince of a Man. His final days were spent in a similar fashion to how he lived every day – unselfishly providing comfort, smiles and sharing stories (filled with the best Dad jokes).
Joe was happiest reminiscing about his glory days cruisin’ North County, enjoying music from the ’50s-’70s, or watching Cardinals and Blues games, preferably with a plate of chocolate chip cookies in front of him.
Let’s not forget he was one heck of a bowler! Having “rolled” a 300 game was his greatest accomplishment in the sport. He also spent four decades of his adult life in various leagues (sometimes 5x per week) all across town, and passed on the enjoyment of bowling to his children.
His passion for his interests, family and work kept him sharp and curious. He enjoyed a long and successful career starting at IBM in the late 1960s, then spending the remainder of his work life stitching up hats, shirts and jerseys at the family embroidery business, St. Louis Custom Gear. He was still working less than one week ago. His impeccable work ethic lives on with his children.
He is survived by his wife Lynda (Lammlein) of 48 years, his children, Dan (Kathleen) Tienes, Randy (Stacy) Tienes, Debbie Stieferman, Michael (Stephanie) Steudeman and Jonathan (Rachael) Steudeman. “Grandpa Joe” loved spending time with his grandchildren Abby, Alison, Andrew, Oliver and Celeste. He was a wonderful cousin, uncle, friend, boss and co-worker to many. (He is preceded in death by “angel” daughters Lauri and Jill Steudeman).
Joe’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Kutis Funeral Home Affton with a visitation from 9:30-11:30 AM, followed by a brief memorial service (10151 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63123). A short gravesite service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5200 Lucas-Hunt Road, St. Louis, MO 63121.
My sincere condolences go out to Joe and entire his family during this time of loss and grief. Although I never met Joe, I am a friend of the family, and I believe if you know one member of your family, you know everyone, because I understand how kind, and caring and loving you all are of one another and it’s so remarkable and so encouraging especially because of how the world is today…to find people that Joes life touched. Love of family and friends is a wonderful thing to behold, and I know that because Joe is no longer here on this earth…that will never stop his great smile, his joyful heart, his kindness, his gentle spirit…and love for family and life to far outreach time and space and continue to touch people everywhere every time you speak his name…even someone like myself, whom he never met. You may have never known it, but you all are in my thoughts and prayers always! God bless you!
Martha
I am a nurse and first met Joe at his shop. Then Joe would come to my place of employment on a regular basis and I had the pleasure of knowing him better. He was always cheerful and remembered everyone’s name. Such a sweet man!
Michael and family,
Your father (and mother) not only helped me push you into speech and drama, but he supported everything we did together in high school. He was so kind to show appreciation to me in all that you did in my extra curricular activities.
It is hard to lose a parent, however you can take his example and let it live on by showing it to your children and the next generation in your classroom.
I am praying for you and your family at this time. Please know that if I wasn’t so far away (South Carolina) I would definitely be at his celebration of life.
Joe was my brother in law. Have many memories.He was soft spoken hard working and good to my sister. Will remember him in many ways. My thoughts prayers for him my sister and all 5 he raised and loved.
joe was the sweetest man we ever met loved just sitting and talking about life in general always smiling and caring love to lynda and all your family prayers
I worked with Joe at Ceridian (post IBM) and I always admired the way he would stop what he was doing and pay attention to the person and issue in front of him. Changing the way I work with people to this day. Thank you Joe for being such a great role model!
Joe was a terrific boss, a wonderful friend, a great brother-in-law, a sweet husband and father, and an interesting conversationalist. You could never meet anyone nicer than Joe Steudeman. Never heard him say anything negative about anyone, even if they had treated him badly. R.I.P. Joe! See you on the other side!
Though I never directly reported to Joe at Ceridian. Joe was always a kind and helpful person who was admired by all who worked with him.
I first met Joe when I stumbled upon his shop at South County Mall.
His great customer service and quality of embroidery work impressed me so much that from then on “St. Louis Custom Gear” was my go-to for any embroidery projects!
I was dismayed when I saw the empty store front after they moved from the mall.
I eventually tracked them down in their new location and my projects, with Joe and his sons’ help continued.
Such a nice man, who treated a customer like you were the only one who mattered.
I will miss having those “Joe sighting” moments when I go into the shop.
My deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.
I first met Joe when I stumbled upon his shop at South County Mall.
His great customer service and quality of embroidery work impressed me so much that from then on “St. Louis Custom Gear” was my go-to for any embroidery projects!
I was dismayed when I saw the empty store front after they moved from the mall.
I eventually tracked them down in their new location and my projects, with Joe and his sons’ help continued.
Such a nice man, who treated a customer like you were the only one who mattered.
I will miss having those “Joe sighting” moments when I go into the shop.
My deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.
Joe was one of my patients at the hospital. He was a joy to work with, always kind and considerate, regardless of how he was feeling. I feel truly honored to have met him. I love my job because of people like Joe. Lynda – while we never met in person, Joe always spoke so highly of you and your caring nature. I hope you find peace knowing he touched so many lives.