Clark County Press, Neillsville, Clark Co., WI

August 24, 2011, Front Page

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

The Lady in Red

Lucy Steinhilber enjoying the company of her children as she prepares to celebrate her 100^th birthday, Aug. 28 (Photo by Tony Opelt/Clark County Press)

By Tony Opelt

Lucy Steinhilber was born Aug. 28, 1911, in Oshkosh.  She was one of seven children and attended a vocational school in the area.

She began making her mark on Neillsville 26 years later by marrying Lester "Steinie" May 25, 1937.  The very next day, the newlyweds opened Club 10, now known as Fannie’s Supper club. The two owned Club 10 for five years before opening a tavern downtown.  They operated Steinies for 12 years before returning to Club 10 for another 11 years. Club 10 will be remembered for being the first restaurant in the area to serve frog legs.  One particular sign in front of the building read "Be a jump ahead, eat frog legs".

Lucy worked as a gray lady for 30 years after that, along with helping out at the thrift shop. She also volunteered for 35 years with the Red Cross for Blood donations.

Lucy has two children, Lee and Lois; seven grandchildren, Jean, David, Mark, Julie, Cathy, Donna and Terri; 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Lucy’s husband Lester passed away Oct. 10, 1965.

Lucy was always famous in the area for her canned pickles and tartar sauce. Red was her favorite color, and she could be seen walking all over town wearing something red clothing; she never owned a driver’s license. She attributes her good health to "sleeping good, eating well, and working hard."