Catherine Steinmetz

Catherine Margaret Reiter Steinmetz, 99, of Gulf Breeze, FL passed away peacefully on Dec. 26th, 2021. She was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and her beloved husband, Wyman Francis Steinmetz, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was surrounded by family and love until the end. She was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on Feb. 26, 1922, to Earl John Reiter and Anna Margaret Zweifel Reiter. Though you’d never tell from her polished exterior, growing up she was a tomboy and daredevil at heart and enjoyed playing outside with her brothers, cousins, and friends, ice skating and swimming.

She met Wyman in High School and they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI on June 25th, 1940. Their children were soon to follow. During World War II, while Wyman was deployed in the Navy, Catherine worked at a Defense Plant in Eau Claire where she worked in the Receiving Inspection room using a micrometer and read diagrams. Later, Catherine and Wyman went into the grocery store business and first owned Seymore Food Market and then a larger store, Wyman’s Super fair in Eau Claire. In their free time, Catherine and Wyman loved to cut a rug on the dance floor.

Catherine had a great zest for life and in her younger years loved crafting, cross country skiing, traveling, laughing, and regaling tales of her youth. She loved the lost art of letter writing and was known to send her friends and relatives thoughtful cards and letters throughout her life. Catherine also had a tender heart and when she wasn’t spending time with her family, she spent a great deal of time volunteering and assisting those who may have needed a helping hand.

She is survived in death by her four children; Robert Steinmetz (Patricia), Jeanne Parsons (Wayne), John Steinmetz (Jane), Susanne Parker (Dr. Gregory) and her 10 grandchildren; Tom Steinmetz (Mary), Angela Steinmetz, Jennifer Parsons Matzek (Daniel), Michael Parsons (Dr. Elizabeth), Aimee Parsons, Kelly Steinmetz Hollingsed (Daniel), William Steinmetz (Catherine), Robert Steinmetz (Cristy), Dr. Brooks Parker (Cecily), Dr. Kaitlyn Parker Molina (Andrew), and 18 great grandchildren. She was blessed with many loving caregivers who she is also survived by; Nancy Umlauf, Jane Abel and the staff at The Arbors of Gulf Breeze.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wyman (1994), parents, Earl and Anna, and siblings, Alvin Reiter, Cecil Reiter and Gene Reiter.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann Parish Gulf Breeze, date and time are pending.  Final Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Eau Claire, WI.