Mayor Joseph E. Steineger was most proud of the fact that his grandfather settled here in Wyandotte County from Switzerland in the mid 1800’s so much so that he built his own home on the same homestead that his grandfather settled on. The approval of the honorary street naming of a part of Riverview that is requested of the Commission tonight recognizes Mayor Joe’s humble beginnings as the street passes Muncie Creek where it all began.
It is requested that that portion of Riverview from 63rd Street to 65th Street carry the honorary name of Mayor Joseph E. Steineger Lane.
Just to share a brief history. Mayor Joseph E. Steineger was born to loving, hard working farmers in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas during the depression of the 1930’s era. He had a passion for the inventions of the industrial age in rural America and was emotionally attached to his farm tractors. His John Deere tractor carried the logo of the Steineger Farms. It should be noted that at its peak the Steineger family farmed over 3,000 acres here in Wyandotte County.
Mayor Joe found a love for football while attending Washington High School and continued to play at KCK Community College, and yes, he was a Chief’s fan.
The man we came to know as Mayor joe Steineger and his wife Gloria had four children who grew up in the house that he and his father, who was a skilled carpenter, built on 63rd street near Riverview as noted earlier.
Mayor Joe Steiniger’s civic calling began at a young age when he was elected to the Muncie School Board where he served for over 30 years on the Turner USD #202 School Board. The old Muncie School site exists on this roadway.
Mayor Joe created the template for the first community celebration known as Turner Days, which remains as a hallmark of the Turner area to this day. He served on numerous boards and community organizations which included the National Agricultural Hall of Fame which was dear to his heart. He sang in the church choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from a young age and remained a lifelong member since his faith was valuable to him, as would be expected from a Kansas dirt farmer.
Mayor Joe Steineger was elected Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas for two terms, serving from 1987 thru 1995. He was very proud of leading the process that resulted in the city winning the All-America City Award.