Maj. Gregory Vernon "Greg" Steinke, USAF (Ret.)

Gregory Vernon Steinke, affectionately known as Greg, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, adventure, dedication, and love for his family. Born on August 22, 1955, in Margate, Kent, England, to Second Lieutenant George Steinke and Betty Steinke while his father was stationed overseas as an Air Force fighter pilot, Greg’s life would be deeply rooted in military service, patriotism, and perseverance.

As the son of an Air Force officer, Greg spent his childhood moving throughout England and the United States, eventually growing up primarily in Arizona. He attended several schools across the state before graduating from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and later earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University in 1977, where he also received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Greg proudly served his country for more than 16 years in the United States Air Force. His distinguished military career began in missile operations, where he trained on the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. He later served with the 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, where he became one of only four Second Lieutenants in Strategic Air Command history to qualify as a Missile Combat Crew Commander.

During his Air Force career, Greg also served in aircraft maintenance with A-10 aircraft operations at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, before transitioning into the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program. As an Airborne Weapons Director, Instructor, Senior Director, and Mission Crew Commander, Greg participated in numerous significant military operations and historical events, including missions during tensions in the Persian Gulf and operations related to Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His service took him around the world, including assignments in Oklahoma, Florida, Iceland, and the Middle East.

Following his retirement from the Air Force as a Major on September 1, 1994, Greg began a successful second career with Grumman and later Northrop Grumman Corporation. He worked in courseware development, training, logistics, and program management supporting the Joint STARS program and other defense initiatives. His professionalism, leadership, and technical expertise earned him numerous leadership positions throughout his civilian career.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Greg was known for his wit, storytelling, resilience, and larger-than-life personality. He cherished his family deeply and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures and experiences with friends and loved ones.

Greg is survived by his children: Heather (Roy) Gillin, Jennifer (Chris) Hyatt, George (Michelle) Wilde and Greg Steinke Jr., his bonus children Yehuda (Mona) Levy and Elisheva (Michael) Coulter; his brothers, Terry (YuYu) Steinke and Keith (Kelly) Steinke. As well as his grandchildren and extended family. He also leaves behind many friends, former military comrades, and colleagues whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Greg’s life was one of honor, service, dedication, and unforgettable stories. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Greg will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.