Barbara Jean Steinhofer

Barb passed away peacefully at home with her son and daughter at her side. She was born on December 15th, 1931, in Gary, IN, to Thorsten (Ole) and Bertha Olson. She grew up in Chicago and Two Harbors, MN, and her family moved to Madison in 1946, where she graduated from East High School. On June 16th, 1951, she married Robert (Bos) Steinhofer and was welcomed into the Steinhofer clan. 

Mom was a full time working mother from day one. In 1965, she got into the real estate field, earning her Sales Agent license, then in 1969, she established Steinhofer Realty Inc., becoming the first woman Broker/Owner in Dane county.

As busy as she and Dad were, they always found the time for family boating trips on the Mississippi and Fox River, plus skiing/snowmobile adventures to Northern Wisconsin, the UP, and Aspen. Mom and Dad were active members of the Four Lakes Yacht Club for more than twenty-five years, where Mom’s favorite Club activities were Friday night euchre and Saturday morning cribbage. She was an avid card player, which took her to Vegas often in the 70’s and 80’s to play blackjack. She belonged to several bridge clubs in both Madison and The Villages, and of course there was Thursday night poker with the guys at Namio’s and Toby’s, where more often than not, she walked away the big winner.

In 1981 she retired and discovered Mexico and golf. She and Dad purchased a condo in Manzanillo, MX, where they wintered until Dad passed away in 1990. She then moved her cold weather escape to The Villages, FL, where she enjoyed the last 31 winters doing her favorite things - golfing, playing cards, and entertaining family and friends. She was an exceptional woman who had a long and great run, she loved her family and cherished her friends. We feel blessed she was our Mom. It would not have been possible to keep her at home without the care and compassion provided by Agrace Hospice, a special thank you to Nicole and Loretta.

Barb was predeceased by her husband, Bos; son, Steve; and brother, Richard (Dick). She is survived by her daughter, Toni; son, Rob; granddaughter, Stephanie; great grandson, Austin; sister’s-in-law, Mary Steinhofer and Phyllis Kitowski; and 8 nieces and nephews.  Per her “orders” there will be no visitation or service; she did want a party so a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 17th, at Tully’s II Bar & Grill from 1 to 4 pm.