Obituary of Jennifer Lynn Steinhilb

Jennifer Lynn Steinhilb passed away suddenly after a tragic accident on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Sparta, NJ. She had shared 35 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, priceless wisdom, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born in Hopatcong to Cheryl (Krattiger) and Paul Steinhilb, Jennifer and her brother Alex were raised in Randolph. She was a graduate of Randolph High School, Class of 2007; she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Special Education from Troy University in Alabama; and her Master’s Degree in Administration from Montclair State University. While attending Randolph High School she was on the varsity cheerleading squad and assisted with ice hockey stats.  Upon graduating from Troy University Jennifer began her teaching career at College St. Elementary in Enterprise, Alabama. Jennifer returned to NJ in 2015, to be closer to her family, and taught for Spectrum 360/Academy 360 in Verona. Jennifer’s passion for her work led her to recruiting her brother, Alex to begin his career in the same field.  Jennifer has taught at Jefferson Township Middle School and White Rock Elementary School since 2021. Jennifer was a dedicated ASD and Special Education teacher. Her approach was shaped by a quote she came across early in her career from Rick Riordan. “Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same, Fairness means everyone gets what they need”. Jennifer gave her all. She was not just an educator; she was deeply committed and an advocate for her students and their families. It was apparent she loved what she did.

Above all else Jennifer’s family was number one. The love and devotion to her “Boys” – Andy, Brayden, Otto, and Travis was a constant and the glue to her family. Her love was expressed through how she organized the family’s day to day activities. Jennifer made sure her boys were prepared for success each day. She worked hard to make the family home look and feel comfortable throughout. Her fingerprints are apparent both inside and outside. They will be felt forever.  To the entire family, she was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. She will be dearly missed by all extended family and friends.

Music was an important part of Jennifer’s life. She has been a Taylor Swift fan for over 18 years. She met Taylor backstage at the Allentown Fair in 2007. Taylor invited Jennifer and her friend on her tour bus posing for pictures and signing autographs. Jennifer subsequently attended 6 of Taylor’s tours- 5 with her mom Cheryl and 1 with her sister in-law Emily. Taylor’s music was so special to her life. She would often say that “my girl Taylor will get me through whatever comes my way’. Jennifer was a passionate NY Jets fan enjoying tailgating with her family. Jennifer had a talent for creating unique decorations and personalized gifts.  Not only was she creative but generous. Using her Cricut machine – she made cups, t-shirts, signs, banners, glasses, for friends and family. Jennifer has had an attachment to flamingos since first seeing them at the Bronx Zoo with her parents as a child. Her fondness of flamingos can be seen throughout her home. Summer was one of her favorite times of the year. She loved the Jersey Shore, especially family vacations in LBI. She enjoyed watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay while sipping a margarita. Back at home summer meant gardening and tending to her flowers and most importantly watching her boys at play.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her adored family, her beloved husband, Andrew Netel; her cherished children, Brayden, Otto, and Travis; her parents, Cheryl and Paul Steinhilb; her brother, Alex (Alison) Steinhilb; her grandparents, Germaine and the late Herbert Steinhilb;  Shirley Murphy and the late Arnold “Ray” Krattiger; her loyal pup, Ruby “Rubes” and her “Halloween” cats, Haze and Jax; her parents-in-law, Jean and Richard Netel; her siblings-in-law, Brian (Stephanie) Netel and Emily (Peter) Chrzankowski; her nieces and nephews, Isla and Charlotte “Charlie” Steinhilb and Sadie and Michael Netel; her aunts and uncles, Kurt (Kathy) Steinhilb, Marc (Cathy) Steinhilb, Patricia (Charles) Corby, Susan (Steve) Bechtel, Joan Tyler, the late Lynn (the late Al) Parzanese, Joyce (Craig) Decker, Joan Kurimsky, Garry Moore, and Carolyn (the late Richard) Mugavero; her cousins, Madison Steinhilb, Erik Steinhilb, Christopher Steinhilb, Jason (Nathan) Zalasky, Craig (Meghan) Zalasky, Rebecca (Sean) Sweet, Nicole (Ryan) Sullivan and their daughter Caelynn, Dan Parzanese, Jessica Decker, Jayson (Denise) Decker and their daughter Deanna, Erin Moore and her son Lucas, Rebecca (Joe) Castera and their children Kaycie, Jayden, and Hunter, Patrick Moore, and Ervin Shipps; and many friends, neighbors, and students.

In honoring her memory, we ask that you share your favorite stories and memories of Jennifer here, so her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her warmth, kindness, compassion, and strength touched all who knew her, and we invite you to keep her legacy alive by reflecting on the impact she had on your life. These memories will be treasured and shared for generations to come!

A visitation to honor and celebrate the life of Jennifer will be held on Tuesday, July 1st, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Prayers and a time of memory sharing will begin at 6:30 PM. We invite all who knew and loved Jennifer to come together, share stories, and remember the beautiful impact she made on our lives.

To help support her children’s future, donations can be made through Meal Train by clicking here, ensuring that the love and lessons she shared continue to guide them as they grow. Thank you for your support and for helping to keep her memory alive.