Starla Kay Steinkuehler

Starla Kay Steinkuehler was born on October 5, 1959, in Denison, Iowa to LeRoy and ImaJean (Schultz) Hansohn. She attended elementary school in Kiron through the sixth grade and later attended school in Denison, where she graduated with the Class of 1978. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron.

Starla held a variety of cooking positions throughout her life. She worked at Joanie’s Restaurant in Deloit, Jo Mart Steakhouse, Jasper’s Family Restaurant, and Pastimes, all in Denison. She also served as a cook at the Dow City School, Ettleman’s Town and Country, and Cheers.

While working at Jo Mart Steakhouse, Starla met James Steinkuehler. The couple was united in marriage on October 1, 1983, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three boys: Ryan, Nicholas, and Cody.

Starla had a deep love for cooking, planting flowers, and caring for her animals. She especially cherished her cats, her dogs Phoebe and Bayou, and her beloved bird, Tweety. Starla purchased a poodle and named her Tess; Tess later had four puppies, which Starla could not part with. She was truly an animal lover. Starla was also a proud 14-year cancer survivor.

Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren, Kadence, Kenslee, and Kaislyn. She also had a special love for the community of Dow City. Starla was a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1981, marking 45 years of membership, and was a dedicated blood donor until she was no longer able to give.

Starla passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital, having attained the age of 66 years, six months, and five days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and ImaJean Hansohn; nephew, Jeremy Linn; niece, Jessica Linn; in-laws, Orville and Katherine Steinkuehler; brothers-in-law, Doug Steinkuehler and Marty Dwine; and sisters-in-law, Joan Favro and Leslie Lowther.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Steinkuehler; children, Ryan Steinkuehler (Danielle Deitrick), Nicholas Steinkuehler, and Cody (Crystal) Steinkuehler; three grandchildren, Kadence, Kenslee, and Kaislyn; siblings, Steven (Sue) Hansohn, Sheila (Ed) Launderville, Sandra (Bob) Wulf, and Shelly (Bob) Pick; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Linda (Leo) Wood, Patricia (Keith) Culver, Sheri (Lynn) Hast, Steven Steinkuehler, and Joe (Karen) Steinkuehler; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, also at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison.

At the family’s request, those attending the visitation are encouraged to wear Hawkeye attire.