State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) will host a road naming and dedication ceremony honoring Jackie Wayne “Jack” Steinman at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Willow Hill Park in Jasper County.
The ceremony will recognize House Joint Resolution 30, which designates the junction of Illinois Route 49 and Illinois Route 33 as the Jackie Wayne “Jack” Steinman Memorial Highway.
“Honoring the service of our military veterans is one of the most important things I do as an elected official in the Illinois General Assembly,” said Rep. Niemerg. “I encourage everyone who knew and loved Jack Steinman to join us on September 24 as we pay our respects and honor Jack for his lifetime of service and devotion to our state and country.”
Steinman was a graduate of Newton Community High School and served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. During the Vietnam War, he was recognized for his heroic actions and received numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Bronze Leaf Cluster, and Purple Heart.
HJR 30 also honors Steinman for his two decades of service to Willow Hill Elementary School, where he worked as a custodian and bus driver. He was a member of the Potter’s House Ministry and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1769 in Effingham.
Outside of his military and professional service, Steinman enjoyed spending time with family and friends, mushroom hunting, grilling and dancing.
Steinman passed away on July 18, 2023. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandy; his children, Sandra “Sam” (Mike) Hires, Jackie (Jeremy) Smock and Peggy (Ben) Stodden; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The September 24 dedication will provide an opportunity for family, friends, community members and fellow veterans to come together to remember Steinman and recognize his lasting contributions to his community, state and country.
For more information about the ceremony, contact Rep. Niemerg’s office at 217-813-6036.
