Marlene Steinkamp, age 63, of Wall Lake, IA, passed away at her home on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Marlene fought her battle with cancer until the very last minute with incredible strength and determination—never complaining and always pushing herself to her fullest.
Marlene Sue Graber was born on August 2, 1962, in Carroll, IA, to Delbert and Donna (Buse) Graber. She was one of seven children and grew up on a farm outside of Ulmer, IA. She attended Lake View–Auburn schools and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn, IA. Marlene graduated from Lake View–Auburn High School with the Class of 1982.
On September 3, 1983, Marlene married the love of her life, Daniel Todd Steinkamp, at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn. This union was blessed with five children: Jason, Ashley, Katie, Christine, and Amanda. The couple lived in Wall Lake for a few years before moving to a farm and eventually settling on the family farm in 1991, where they have remained ever since.
Life on the farm brought Marlene great joy. She loved all of her animals—chickens, cats, dogs, and more. She was never afraid of hard work, working alongside Dan on the farm as needed. Marlene also worked for many years as an aide at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, where she cared deeply for those she served.
Marlene loved being outdoors, whether tending her vegetable garden, caring for her many flowers, or simply soaking up the sunshine. She enjoyed fishing and often took her grandchildren along. Marlene didn’t mind getting her hands dirty, but you better believe her nail appointments were not to be missed! She loved shopping, had quite the jewelry collection, and treasured her regular coffee dates with friends in Lake View.
If you knew Marlene, you knew her family was her everything. She never missed her children’s events and was always their biggest cheerleader—a role she continued proudly with her grandchildren. Nothing in the world meant more to her than time spent with her kids and grandkids. She loved her home and absolutely loved decorating it for every holiday. She was a great cook and loved having everyone over whether it be for special occasions or just because. Having her loved ones gathered there made her the happiest.
Marlene enjoyed listening to country music, playing cards, going for drives around the lake with Dan, and visiting antique stores. She was always on the lookout for toy antique tractors for her grandchildren, along with other treasures.
Marlene was selfless, incredibly loving, nurturing, and a true giver. Her resilience, strength, and faith were an inspiration to all. She was not ready to leave this earthly life at such a young age, but her faith ran deep, and we take comfort knowing she is now resting free from pain in the arms of her beloved Savior.
Left to cherish Marlene’s memory are her husband, Dan Steinkamp of Wall Lake, IA; children: Jason (Jennifer) Steinkamp of Wall Lake, IA, Ashley (Chase) Wicker of Solon, IA, Katie Steinkamp of Cedar Falls, IA, Christine Steinkamp of Thornton, CO, and Amanda Steinkamp of Wall Lake, IA; grandchildren: Peyton, Logan, and Weston Steinkamp; Blair, Mia, and Tate Wicker; Xavier and Madalyn Gonzalez; Jax and Benson Feauto; siblings: Steve (Nancy) Graber of Westside, IA, Jerry Graber of Bellevue, NE, Larry (Kelly) Graber of Clermont, GA, Karen (Gary) Siebrecht of Odebolt, IA, Sandy (Gregg) Schmitz of Wall Lake, IA, and Barb (Dan) Stickrod of Odebolt, IA; sister-in-law Amy Graber of Treynor, IA; mother-in-law Mildred Steinkamp of Wall Lake, IA; sisters-in-law Jean (Larry) Neppl of Carnarvon, IA, and Lisa (Dan) Gonnerman of Minneapolis, MN; her beloved dog, Tucker; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Donna Graber; father-in-law Ambrose Steinkamp; nephews Clint Siebrecht, Stephen Graber, and Christopher Ohden.
