William Steinmetz

William Joseph Steinmetz, 75, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away with his family at his side and good Oldies music playing on August 10, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center. 

Bill was born in Athens, Ohio to Fred and Frances Steinmetz on June 28, 1949. He grew up as the second oldest of four siblings and attended Walnut Ridge High School in Columbus, Ohio where he played football and golf. He completed his undergraduate degree at Franklin University and spent the majority of his career in Sales and Sales Management, most notably Universal Map and Time Warner Cable where he was a top performing Sales Representative for many years, consistently achieving regional and national award recognition. Bill’s crowning achievement, however, was marrying Shirley Evon Walters on October 25, 1975 at Grace Lutheran Church and starting a family in Pataskala, OH. They had two sons, Ryan Todd and Austin Kyle Steinmetz, and were heavily involved in the schools and community. Bill was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church and the Pataskala Lions Club, where he always helped with Pancake Breakfasts, concessions at the Street Fair, and The Haunted Forest among other things. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 21, applying his career skills to Scout fundraisers, always motivating young people to set a higher bar for themselves. On November 28, 2015 after The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated The Team Up North 42-11, Bill and Shirley left Pataskala, OH for Las Cruces, NM for warmer climates and to be closer to their son Ryan. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and supported the organizations his son took part in like Border Servant Corp and PFLAG Las Cruces. 

Bill was a character, a fully developed and unique individual. His favorite holiday was Groundhog Day, often calling at dawn with the breaking news despite groggy reactions, and he was a tremendous storyteller so much so that you didn’t mind the reruns. An avid Ohio State Buckeye Football fan, he never missed a game. He cherished Oldies music, more reliable than a jukebox in knowing the song title, the band and the year of release while cruising with a lit cigar, the windows down, and the music up. He looked forward to autumn in Ohio, but enjoyed desert life much more than Ohio winters. He always had time to catch up with his friends but would admit that he should have gone fishing more. Above all, he loved his wife and family, always putting them first. Bill was a kind and generous man, and he will be missed.

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley; his sister Wanda; his brother Lewis (Sonny); his sons Ryan and Austin; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Frances; and his sister Becky. 

A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri Ave. Las Cruces, NM on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10:00am. A celebration of life will be held later this fall in Ohio for friends and family. 

Bill’s family would like to thank all for their support during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation toward one of two charities. In Ohio, Pataskala Boy Scout Troop 21 at 277 W. Mill St. Pataskala, Ohio 43062. In New Mexico, Peace Lutheran Church at 1701 E. Missouri Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001.