Mary A. Steinbrock

Mary A. Steinbrock (Fowler) passed away on February 15, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 87. Born August 16, 1938, in Beloit, Kansas, Mary grew up with the values of hard work, determination, and commitment to faith and family, which would define her life. Mary was the first of four girls. Mary’s Irish spirit shone through in her blue eyes, red hair, and beautiful smile. Her bravery and strong independence were evident in everything she did. She earned her nursing degree from Marymount College in Salina, Kansas and began what became a 40-plus-year career dedicated to caring for others. Mary met Richard during high school, and they married after she earned her degree in 1959 from Marymount College. They shared 48 years together, raising five children.

Over the decades, she served as a Registered Nurse in multiple settings; hospital, corporate plant, home health, and clinic; Oh, and of course the frequent home emergency (5 kids). She was respected for her competence, attention to detail, and the kindness she extended to every patient.

Yet her most important role was at home. Mary and Richard raised five children, four boys and a girl, and she skillfully balanced the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of a full-time nursing career. She created a home grounded in love, discipline, and faith. Each evening, the family gathered around the dinner table, strengthening the bond they shared.

Mary was a dedicated Cub Scout Den Leader and a faithful servant to her church, contributing through singing in the choir, her roles as a eucharistic minister, sacristan and lector, and her many hours helping in the church office. In her spare time, Mary could often be found with a book in hand; she was an avid reader.

When Richard’s health declined, Mary lovingly cared for him through the end of his life, demonstrating once again her greatest strength; her capacity to serve those she loved. For Mary, family was never secondary to her profession — it stood beside it as her life’s central calling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Steinbrock; her parents, Mary A. Fowler (Walsh) and Leonard Allen Fowler; brothers-in-law, Duane Sanders and Lowell Peterson; and her son-in-law, Steve Furbush.

She leaves behind her children, Kevin (Mary) Steinbrock of Wichita, Karen Furbush of Phoenix, Arizona, Keith (Karen Parson) Steinbrock of Salina, Bruce (Maria) Steinbrock of Topeka, and Roger Steinbrock of Topeka; her sisters, Kathy Peterson, Ann (Bill) Edwards, and Carol (Roy Fierro) Garza-Fierro; her sisters-in-law, Mary (Tom) Katafiasz and Barbara Sanders; and her beloved grandchildren, Trevor Steinbrock, Jordan (Mogie) Steinbrock, Madison Steinbrock, Aydan Parson, and Berklie Parson. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and enduring joy.

Viewing will be held at Downing & Lahey Mortuary on Wednesday, February 25, from 1:00–8:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 26, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Vigil service will take place at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 26, at Church of the Resurrection. Funeral Mass celebrating Mary’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, at the Church of the Resurrection.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn St, Bel Aire, KS 67220 or to the Mary A. Steinbrock Nursing Scholarship Fund, Washburn University Foundation, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621 or online at: www.wualumni.org/givenow, benefiting future nurses to carry forward her spirit of compassionate care.