03/09/2026
Fred John Steinbach, age 88, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his son’s home, surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.
Fred was born on May 13, 1937, in Hiteman, IA, to Frank and Margaret (Evans) Steinbach. He grew up attending school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1955. On July 22, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sharon Cummins at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Georgetown with Rev. James Kelly officiating. Fred and Sharon were blessed with 2 children, John William and Patrick Joseph, and shared 58 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Fred began his working career as a lineman for Chariton Valley Electric where he worked for many years. He later owned and operated Steinbach Electric. In the spring and summer months, Fred worked in grounds and maintenance at Forrest Cemetery where he mowed, set monuments, and took care of general maintenance. Most importantly, Fred was a proud farmer and raised cattle.
Fred was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting, tending to his yard, and taking rides in his beloved 1965 Chevrolet Impala convertible. He had an interest in airplanes and aviation and enjoyed watching them when he had the opportunity. Fred had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and enjoyed joking and laughing with others. He loved taking trips, especially out west, to see the mountains and Mt. Rushmore. Above all else, Fred’s family was everything to him. He cherished the time spent with them and rarely ever missed attending his children or grandchildren’s sporting events.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon; 2 sons, John William (Amanda) Steinbach and Patrick Joseph Steinbach; 5 grandchildren, John, Henry, Addilyn Margaret Ann, Emmett, and Hudson; and 2 brothers, Joseph Steinbach and his twin, Frank Steinbach. Fred is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret Steinbach and 9 siblings, Minnie Allison, Bill Steinbach, Aldrena VonOrtwick, Margaret Mallie, Bernard Steinbach, Jim Steinbach, Don Steinbach, Kenneth Steinbach, and Darlene Major.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Fred’s family present to greet family and friends. A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel, Father Michael Volkmer, and Father Joseph Phung officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.
An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.
Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.