Florian Aloysius Steinlage, 90, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at his residence.
Florian was born July 9, 1936, on the family farm near St. Lucas, Iowa, to Anton and Julia (Langreck) Steinlage. He graduated from St. Lucas Catholic School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. Later in life, Florian had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
On January 21, 1961, Florian was united in marriage to Leona Rose Sabelka at Reilly Ridge Catholic Church in Lawler, Iowa. Together, they made their home in the West Union area, where Florian devoted his life to farming. The farm he loved became FLOLO Farms when his son, Loran, and Loran’s wife, Brenda, joined the operation.
Farming was much more than an occupation to Florian. He enjoyed visiting with others about agriculture and witnessed tremendous changes in farming during his lifetime, from working with horses as a young man to embracing tractors, mechanization, automation, and new technology.
After Florian was severely burned in a fire and spent 45 days in the Iowa City burn unit, returning to the farm required him to rethink how the work could be done. Despite his injuries, he returned home in time to pick corn that fall. Rather than allowing his injuries to end his farming career, Florian increasingly relied on mechanization and automation to continue doing the work he loved. He often said the electric motor was his best friend.
That practical and innovative mindset stayed with Florian throughout his life. He remained interested in new technology and advances in agriculture, including attending John Deere Gold Key experiences to see farm machinery being built.
Florian was recognized as an Outstanding Young Farmer and also received Master Corn Grower and Champion Grower awards. He was a dealer for Funk’s G Hybrids and later Epley Seed Corn.
He received the Fayette County Pioneer Dairyman Award in 2004, with his grandson Jason presenting the award. Florian’s dairy herd was also recognized for having several “Iron Grandmas.”
Florian was active in Farm Bureau and served on the board of the West Union Co-op. FLOLO Farms received the Iowa Environmental Leadership Award in 2017, and in 2023, FLOLO Farms, along with Loran and Brenda, was honored with the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award.
Florian was a proud supporter of FFA and received honorary awards in recognition of his support. He especially enjoyed working with young people and welcoming FFA members to the farm, where they could gain hands-on knowledge and experience.
Florian and Leona were longtime supporters of Holy Name Catholic Church, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, the Fayette County Fair, and the West Union Fire Department.
In retirement, Florian and Leona discovered a love of visiting the “Boat” and other casinos, sometimes making it to two in the same day. They made many new friends through those visits and truly enjoyed that chapter of their lives together.
Florian also loved going on crop-scouting tours and made his final crop-scouting trip the night before he passed away. He enjoyed attending farm shows and meetings Loran hosted at the farm.
Florian and Leona were regular visitors to Unionland Food Market, founded by Gary and later taken over by Justin. They even helped watch the store for Justin when needed.
Florian enjoyed drives with Leona, watching the Cubs, and following the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family members could always count on receiving a daily good-morning text.
Florian is survived by his wife, Leona Steinlage of West Union; his children, Gary Steinlage (Theresa Voshell) and family of West Union, Elaine (Rick) Reuter and family of Peosta, Carol (Keith) Knox and family of Hawkeye, Lois (Bruce) Buchheit and family of Lawler, and Loran (Brenda) Steinlage and family of West Union; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 7 bonus grandchildren; and 13 bonus great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings and in-laws: Anthony Steinlage of Decorah, Nicky (Dorothy) Steinlage of St. Lucas, Albert Matt of Clermont, Art (Laura) Matt of Castalia, Margaret Steinlage of Jerico, Corrina Steinlage of New Hampton, Norma Sabelka of Lawler, Joe (Mary Jo) Sabelka of New Hampton, Linda (Bob) Buckridge of Florida, and Laure (Bob) Rausch of Fort Atkinson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Julia Steinlage; son-in-law, Scott Stendel; granddaughters, Haley and Hannah Buchheit; sisters, Rosie (John) Bouska, Frannie Matt, and Betty Matt; brothers, Ferdie, Leo, and Herman Steinlage; parents-in-law, Ervin and Wilma Sabelka; brother-in-law, Bill Sabelka; and sister-in-law, Monica Steinlage.
Visitation will be held from 8:45 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa, with the Rosary beginning at 8:15 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union.
Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in West Union with military rites.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mt. Calvary Cemetery.