Laura "Lori" J Steinke

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date for Laura J. "Lori" Jeffres Steinke.

Laura J. "Lori" Jeffres Steinke, 64, of Republican City, Nebraska, formerly of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Doniphan, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, after courageously battling cancer for several months.  At Lori's request, she will be cremated.

Lori was born in 1960 to Eugene W Jeffres and Virginia (Davis) Jeffres in Grand Island.  She attended both rural and city Grand Island grade schools and graduated from Northwest High School, with the class of 1978.

Throughout her life, Lori worked hard and often held more than one job at a time.  Her career included roles in bartending, house remodeling, and positions at:  Clarklift, Riekes Equipment, CXT and Jerry's Sheet Metal.  In recent years, she enjoyed part-time merchandising work, organizing greeting cards and dog food displays.

Known for her quick wit and sharp sarcasm, Lori was a joy to be around and loved making people laugh.   A lifelong lover of books, she was an active member of a Grand Island book club, where discussions ranged from literature to current politics.  She also sang with the Grand Island City Singers and relished attending Broadway-style shows.

Lori had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and cherished the many canine companions she had over the years.  She also enjoyed the thrill of finding a good bargain, often reselling her treasures on eBay.

In 2021, Lori was united in marriage to Rodney Steinke and together they retired to Republican City.

Throughout her cancer diagnosis, Rod was tirelessly by her side

She was previously married to Chris Engel of Doniphan, and they had one daughter, Sydney Engel.  Sydney and Lori shared a uniquely close bond, as both mother and daughter and best friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Lori is survived by her loving husband, Rodney Steinke of Republican City; daughter, Sydney Engel of Kearney, Nebraska; siblings: Susan Jeffres of Grand Island; Sandi (Mark) Britton of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Mike (Tammy) Jeffres of Worms, Nebraska; a cousin, Linda Moore of Texas; along with several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  She is also remembered fondly by her step-children: Tim (Chelsea) Steinke of Grand Island; Eric (Jamie) Steinke of Oklahoma; and Josh (Maggie) Steinke of Colorado; along with many great friends.

Lori's vibrant spirit, love of laughter, and generous heart will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials suggested to Start Over Rover of Hastings or Voice for Companion Animals of Grand Island.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.