Paul Steinorth

TRAVERSE CITY — Paul William Steinorth, 72, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Paul was born on Nov. 17, 1939, in Alpena, to the late William Theodore and Nellie (Kauffman) Steinorth. On Feb. 1, 1964, he married Leona Donajkowski, and together they brought up four loving and forthright sons. Paul served honorably in the United States Army from 1958 to 1963. Paul was a second generation builder, and the owner and founder of Paul W. Steinorth Construction INC, later to become Steinorth Fine Homes. The company he built is carried on by his sons, Cal and Mark, and Mark's wife, Jennifer. Paul served as president of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area in the 1980s, and under his leadership over 180 area trades people collaborated to build a three bedroom home in less than seven hours. He cofounded the online site, TravelMichigan.com with his partner and best friend, the late Tom Johnston. Paul was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Ever adventurous, Paul was an enthusiastic aviator, outdoorsman and sailor. He played tennis all of his life, for the U.S. Army and well into his later years. Sailing with his family gave him great joy. His vision and passion, particularly in matters pertaining to new technology, energy efficiency and construction, were inspiring to those around him, as was his deep belief in the importance of family and in the right of all people to be able to work and earn a decent living. Through the years, Paul provided employment opportunities to a great many in the community, touching many lives with his generosity of spirit. He will be sorely missed. Surviving Paul are his wife, Leona; four sons and six grandsons, Derek, father of Val, Lex and Sage; Erin (Rueben Diaz); Cal (Laura Jaquish), father of Thor; and Mark (Jennifer Sperry Steinorth), father of Simon and Noah. Surviving siblings are Neil (Toni), Carl (Kathy) and Diane (Larry) Trempy. Visitation for Paul will take place on Monday, March 26, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a scripture service held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at St. Francis Catholic Church, at 11 a.m., with a visitation held one hour prior. Burial will take place in Oakwood Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation. Please sign Paul's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.