Francis J. "Jim" Steyer

Francis J. Steyer “Jim”, retired Commander U. S. Navy, 76, of Lewis Center, OH, passed away on Tuesday June 7, 2011 at Kobacker House after a 15 year battle against prostate cancer. Born on January 26, 1935, in Fostoria, OH, Jim was the oldest of 12 children born to Francis and Helen Steyer. He attended Arcadia High School and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957. He then served in the U. S. Navy on active duty in the Middle East, in Lebanon, and the Caribbean Sea during the Cuban missile crisis. He served a total of 42 years of active duty and reserve time in his Navy career, during which time he was also assigned as a Blue & Gold Information Officer for the U. S. Naval Academy. During his civilian career he was employed by Kroger Co. in Toledo, Pittsburgh and Detroit, and was the Executive VP of Cardinal Foods Inc. in Columbus. He later formed a group of Cardinal Food Gallery supermarkets for which he was partner and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his retirement he was the Business Manager of St. James the Less Church and school for eight years. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council, Building Committee and Finance Committee. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Raymond. He is survived by wife of 54 years, Marilyn (Thiel) Steyer; children Laura(Matthew)Favret of Lewis Center, Denise(Greg) Gorlich of St. Charles, IL, Lisa(Alan)McMillan of Ann Arbor, MI, and Brian(Beth) Steyer of Lewis Center; grandchildren Zach and Ciara Gibbs, Max and Luke Gorlich, Adam, David and Jennifer McMillan, and Robin and Kelly Steyer; six brothers Joe(Ann) of Defiance, Bob(Donna) of Fostoria, Duane(Sue) of Defiance, Dick(Terri) of Johnstown, Glen(Colleen) of Rochester Hills, MI, and Greg(Mary) of Defiance; four sisters Mary Ann(John) DeMuth of Findlay, Marlene Henry of Troy, Judy Steyer of Columbus, and Jeannette(Tom) Mandell of Land of Lakes, FL; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2011 at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St. (Powell Road/St. Rt. 750, ¼ mile east of Sawmill Pkwy.), Powell, OH 43065. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. SATURDAY, June 11, 2011 at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, Ohio 43065. The Reverend Raymond Larussa, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Kobacker House, 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com