Dee Steinke

Denise “Dee” Steinke of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on September 16, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. Dee was born on March 26, 1952, in Wood River, Illinois.

Dee grew up in Turner, Kansas, and as a teenager became part of the home and family of Mary Elizabeth “Mama Mary” Carlisle (McCallop) of Shawnee, Kansas. Dee became a mother at a young age with the birth of her son, Michael “Mikey” Wentworth. Though Mikey’s life was far too short, Dee carried her love for him with her throughout the rest of her life.

She spent a brief time working at the Coca-Cola plant before later serving in the United States Naval Reserve, attaining the rate of Equipment Operator Third Class (EO3). Through the Naval Reserve, she met her husband, William “Bill” Steinke. The two later reconnected on a return trip from San Francisco and had their first date over Pepsi and pizza. Dee and Bill married in 1983 in Jackson County, Missouri. Dee later worked for Price Chopper for many years, where some of the relationships she formed would eventually become family.

Together, Dee and Bill built a loving family, adopting three children and opening their home to many others over the years. Those individuals became family. Dee will always be remembered for her ability to love others unconditionally, her willingness to help others in need, her unshaken faith, and her love for an ice-cold Pepsi.

Dee is survived by her husband, Bill Steinke; her children, Jennifer Mawk, Alicia Steinke, and Seth Steinke; her foster children, Rachelle Wiesen and her daughter, Emily; William Weber and his children, Amanda and Joey; Chandra Moeller and her children, Logan and Skylar; and Deandre McHenry and his daughter, Luna; her foster siblings, Tonya Hopkins, Leroy Carlisle Jr., Walter Carlisle, and Lamont Carlisle, along with his wife, Sheila, and their children, Monty and Mary. She is also survived by her dear friends Kelly Dubois, Lisa Osmun, and James Patrzykont and his wife, Missy, as well as countless others who will miss her light among us.

Dee was preceded in death by Mary Elizabeth Carlisle; her son, Michael Wentworth; her sister, Barbara Molder; her brother-in-law, Brian Moore; and many other loved ones who went before her.

There will be a public visitation on October 6, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 7, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at Eagles Landing at Lake Olathe, Olathe, Kansas. Those wishing to attend the Celebration of Life are asked to RSVP by October 1st at the following link: https://forms.gle/E7iCvUojFUu3TX1C8

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help cover the costs of her final expenses and Celebration of Life. Donations can be made here: https://gogetfunding.com/dees-celebration-of-life/

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