William Steier

William Steier, 92, born on May 25, 1933,  passed away November 09, 2025.

William Henry Steier was born May 25th, 1933 to Helen Katherine Cramer and Christian Moritz Steier, in the town of Kendallville, Indiana. He grew up during The Great Depression in Evansville, Indiana with 2 sisters, Ramona and Maxine and 1 brother, Chris. His great grandfather Moritz (“Morris”) Steirer immigrated from Germany in 1855 at the age of 13 along with his brothers Christian (18) and Basil (15). They were orphaned and poor but settled in the growing German community of Evansville.

Bill went to Evansville College where he met Sarah Belle Moman. They were married in 1956, in Morganfield, Kentucky. They were blessed with a wonderful marriage, and four daughters: Caroline Faye, Amy Marie, Alice Cathleen, and Julia Anne.

Bill earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana and then after completion, he served for two years as an Assistant Professor within the department. He once said how grateful he was that the University of Illinois, which had given him a full scholarship, had taken a chance on a poor kid from Indiana. While at the University of Illinois, both Caroline and Amy were born. Bill then went to Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey during which time both Alice and Julie were born. In 1968, Bill joined the Electrical Engineering faculty at the University of Southern California, and the family moved to southern California where Bill has resided ever since.

Sarah passed away in 2007, but Bill was so lucky to spend his remaining years with Sheila Larson. They were the sweetest couple, taking care of each other and sharing the love of sports and the simple routines that are the life of an elderly couple. We want to thank all the neighbors and Sheila’s daughter Wendy for looking out for them, allowing them both to live independently at his home.

Everyone who knew Bill knew how special he was. His kindness, patience, humor spread to all those around him. We were blessed to have him as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend and will cherish our memories of him.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, CA.