Found in my sister Sandy’s scrapbook. I wish I hadn’t lost touch with John considering how close our parents were. I remember riding in his Dune Buggy when we were up there for Thanksgiving when I was a kid.

I remember it like it was yesterday: John, with gusto and enthusiasm, invited me into his room where he turned on his stereo and played his new album by a then new artist, James Taylor. John sang along with Taylor the haunting song “Fire and Rain,” and then “Sweet Baby James.” Taylor was a balladeer during an age when Zepplin, Chicago, and the Beatles filled the airwaves. But Taylor’s music moved John and John’s infectious laughter and smiling eyes moved me too.

John lived large then and took his love and enthusiasm with him into his life after high school. I remember his friendship fondly and am grateful for many wonderful memories. 

Deepest condolences, John and I were good friends in school. I remember in his younger days he was an avid WWII model builder. He had an amazing collection of them hanging in his room, painted in great detail. John always seemed very positive, and had a fun sense of adventure about him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

John was a good friend from high school.  Great memories & will sure miss him!  

Lauren, Amy, and Katie. Our deepest sympathy as you mourn the loss of your dad. He dearly loved you girls and yes, was your biggest cheerleader.

When we first met you guys you lived on the other side of the “ river” in Governors Place. I remember so well those hot swim meets at the West Mo pool, the fun we all had being a community.  Much love to you during this hard time.

It was a dark and stormy night — with Michael Klein and Chad Jordan

It was a dark and stormy night — with Chad Jordan

“It was a dark and stormy night”. You kept saying that over and over on the fishing trip we went on. Captain Chad took good care of us that day, when the tropical storm literally formed over our heads while offshore. The ride in was definitely tougher than the ride out. But through the entire time, you were your usual self. Funny, engaging, sharing your stories. We will miss you John. You will always be Steger to us. You helped introduce me to sushi at lunch with you and Chad. You were the first person I rode with as a new sales person at Micro Motion. And you gave me such great advice. You said, “Take care of the customer and they will take care of you. Follow that rule and you will be successful.” To this day I will never forget that great advice as we drove around the Houston ship channel in your silver charger. I am going to miss you John. I thank you for your friendship, your wisdom, your caring conversations. You helped me gain so much perspective as a young sales person, a father of two girls, and a friend. God bless you John. I know where you are right now and one day we will be reunited together in the presence of God our Father. May you rest in peace and may your family know that you touched many people’s lives. You will forever be cherished John. 

He had a such a great heart and will be missed dearly.  I will always remember how he answered phone calls any time of the night from youth that needed a listening ear and mentoring words.  

Also, when I moved into the Baylor dorms, I didn't know anyone in my dorm, and John made sure that I connected with Lauren before leaving.  He genuinely cared about helping people and making sure they were safe and taken care of.