Obituary for Wilfred “Papa Bill” Steenburgh

Wilfred Rudy Steenburgh, better known to most as Papa Bill, lost his battle with cancer on the evening of December 2, 2014 at the age of 67. He was a truck driver by trade and belonged to the Teamsters Union, which he retired from in 2001. As part of a musical family he was instilled with a great love for music and, following the path of his father, was a Music Minister in various churches throughout the years.

Bill was born to Wilfred “Bill” and Mabel “Polly” Steenburgh on November 17, 1947 in Fresno, CA. He was the fifth of eight children.

He met the love of his life Donna McDonald at church in February, 1966 and married the following October 2 in Reno, NV. Bill and Donna were blessed with two daughters Cyndi Reece and husband Rich of Ponca City, OK; Louise Johnson and husband Mark of Modesto, CA; and three sons Timothy Steenburgh, Michael Steenburgh and wife Davianne of Ponca City, OK; and Will Steenburgh, also from Ponca City, OK. His many grandchildren, who all referred to him as “Papa” include Megan Reece, Sara Reece, Charlee Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Joshua Johnson and wife Patty, Nicole Cortez and husband Willie, Jefferey Ruff, Avery Ruff, Dakota Ruff, Lorray Ruff, Erika Ruff, and honorary granddaughter Megan Manns. Bill was also expecting a new grandson, Jonah Steenburgh. Also included is Madi Steenburgh, his four-pawed grandchild. His great-grandchildren include Noah and Joaquin Johnson, Dylan and Jordan Cortez and James Johnson. Honorary great-granchildren include Kaydence Seabolt. Brothers & sisters; Marlin Steenburgh and wife Darlene of Modesto, CA; sister Willine Wagner and husband Raymond of Waterford, CA; sister Barbara O’Roark of Broken Bow, OK; sister Jean O’Roark and husband Fred of Ceres, CA; sister Betty Moorehead and husband Bob of Kingman, AZ; Vivian Hoskison of Porterville, CA; and brother Tommy Steenburgh and wife Darlene of Stockton, CA. He also had numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, son-Timothy and Brother-In-Law Arvil O’Roark, Sr.

Throughout his life Bill learned to live life to its fullest and to make the best of everything. He enjoyed being outdoors and camping and was an avid fisherman. He was the comic relief in many situations and loved to make others laugh. His wise counsel was sought by many and he was generous to a fault. Bill was the type of person that would go out of his way to help others in their time of need and not expect anything in return.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Calvary Temple, 612 N. Main St., Newkirk, OK at 2 pm.