Fr. Charles Lee Steier, beloved priest and dedicated servant of the Diocese of Salina, passed away on September 22, 2024, in Hays, Kansas. He was born on March 26, 1947, in Belleville, Kansas, to Melvin and Mildred (Kalivoda) Steier. Charlie grew up on a farm near Haddam, Kansas, as the oldest child, with five brothers and two sisters.
Fr. Steier pursued his calling with deep commitment, studying at St. Mary College in St. Mary, Kentucky; Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri; and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained on June 8, 1973, by Bishop Cyril Vogel at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Concordia, Kansas.
Beginning with his first assignment in 1973 and concluding with his most recent in 2024, Fr. Steier served in various parishes. He began his priestly ministry serving as parochial vicar from 1973 to 1977, first at St. John the Baptist in Beloit and later at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Hays. Beginning in 1977, he went on to lead numerous parishes as a pastor, including St. Joseph in St. Joseph; St. Isidore in Cuba; Saints Philip and James in Phillipsburg; St. Mary in Smith Center; St. Francis in Claudell; St. Bernard in Ellsworth; St. Ignatius in Kanopolis; St. Mary in Holyrood; St. Mary Queen of Angels in Russell; and St. Mary Help of Christians in Gorham. His service as a pastor concluded in 2024 at Christ the King Parish in WaKeeney and St. Michael Parish in Collyer.
Fr. Charlie also served as the State Chaplain for the Kansas Knights of Columbus, Diocesan Moderator, Vicarate Moderator, and was a member of the Catholic Charities Board for many years. He was also elected to the Priests Council and the Personnel Board.
Fr. Steier’s unwavering faith and pastoral care touched countless lives over his 50 years of ministry. Fr. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to his communities.
He is survived by four brothers: John Steier of Canton, Texas; Ed Steier and his wife, Linda, of Wichita, Kansas; Dale Steier and his wife, Kim, of Greeley, Colorado; and Guy Steier and his wife, Julie, of Clyde, Kansas. He is also survived by two sisters: Rita Steier of Timpson, Texas, and Denise New and her husband, Mike, of Burlington, Colorado. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Kim Steier, of Arlington, Texas; many nieces, nephews, friends, and the many parishioners who cherished his guidance and leadership. Fr. Charles Steier will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry; and an infant sister, Sue Carlyn.
Visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 412 N 9th St., WaKeeney, KS, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Parish Vigil will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, located at 415 S Windsor St., Russell, KS, on Friday, September 27, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with interment at 4:00 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, Clara, KS (north of Clifton, KS).
Memorial contributions may be made in Fr. Charlie’s memory to the donor’s parish of choice.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.
