Beloved retired minister and World War II veteran, the Rev. Arnold “Bud” Steinert, “stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior” on March 24, 2015. He was born in Meredith, Montana, to Fred and Emma (Wornath) Steinert on Aug. 23, 1925. Bud was the second of four children. Siblings include the late Esther Junkert, Florence Schmautz, and the late Ellen Fee. 

Bud graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City and enlisted as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, serving in the Pacific during World War II. After returning, he attended Canadian Bible Institute where he earned a degree in theology. He was ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance and esteemed in his 40 years of dedicated, sacrificial ministry. As a bi-vocational church planter, he founded and pastored churches in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Bud also enjoyed animal husbandry, architectural design and carpentry.

Bud found his soulmate in Hazel Irwin (now deceased) and they married in 1951. Their combined enthusiasm and accomplishments made a significant impact on their family, friends, community and country. Bud and Hazel remained faithful partners in life and ministry, returning “home” to the Mission Valley for retirement in 2001.

Bud’s love, faith and integrity have been an inspiration to his family including children, Susan and Randy Hodgins, and Tim Vi Steinert, and Crystal Pratka; grandchildren, Emily and Austin MacDonald, Sandra Hodgins, Tom Hodgins, Aaron Steinert, Kael Steinert, and Miranda and Andrew Bley; and great-grandson, Galen MacDonald.

A memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on May 16 at Terrace Lake Community Church, Ronan. 

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.