Jerry Steenberg

Gerald "Jerry" Steenberg age 81, passed away on February 28, 2018 surrounded by family. Jerry was born in St. Paul on December 12, 1936 to parents Erma and Thomas Alfred Steenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Donald Andersen and nephew Robert Andersen. Jerry is survived by Joann, his loving wife of 57 years; sons Michael (Angela) and Mark (Ann Marie); adoring grandchildren Elizabeth, Devin, Lauren and Greta; siblings Thomas (Evelyn), Edward (Caryl), Richard (Judith) and Margret Andersen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry is a University of Minnesota library science graduate who started his career with the St. Paul Public Library in 1961 as a library assistant. In 1962, he was named head librarian of the Highland Branch and after seven years opened the new Sun Ray Branch library. In 1972, Jerry was named supervisor of branches and in 1974 assistant director. In 1978, Mayor George Latimer appointed Jerry as Director of the St. Paul Public Library System. During his 17 years as library director, Jerry worked hard, alongside the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, to help keep the library system a vital part of the dynamic community it serves. In 1995, after thirty four years of faithful service to the community he loved, Jerry retired and grandchildren quickly became the center of his universe. They all looked forward to the weekly Grandma and Papa day. A very special thank you to the caring staff of both the Commons on Marice Senior Living Community and Brighton Hospice Care. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM, Friday, March 9 at the Church of the Assumption, 51 West 7th St., St. Paul. Visitation 4-8PM, Thursday, March 8 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. www.thefriends.org