John Steuri Leaves Lasting Legacy as Philanthropist and Business Leader
John Steuri, a renowned philanthropist and former technology executive, passed away at the age of 87. Born on May 6, 1939, in Great Bend, Kansas, Steuri graduated from the University of Kansas with a business degree before joining IBM Corporation.
Steuri spent 24 years at IBM, where he rose through the ranks to become a top executive. He then joined Little Rock-based Systematics in 1988 as president and CEO, helping grow its annual revenue from $160 million to nearly $1 billion in just eight years.
Steuri was known for his business acumen and ability to connect with people on a personal level. His philosophy centered around making clients successful, and he took a strategic approach to organizing projects. Steuri also wore many hats outside of the boardroom, serving as an investor, director, and philanthropist.
After retiring in his 50s, Steuri shifted focus to philanthropy with his wife Grace. The couple started a family foundation and created the Fund for Arkansas Future, providing funding for Arkansas businesses. They also invested in Safe Foods Corporation, a biotech company licensed with University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, and served as directors for several organizations.
Steuri's commitment to giving back was sparked by a devastating tornado that struck their home in 1966. He believed that the key to being remembered was how he treated others, saying 'I want to be remembered for how I treated other people.'