Hans Hermann Steinke, a man of many talents and pursuits, was born on February 22, 1893, in Stettin, Germany, to a family of butchers. As a young man, Steinke served as a private in the German Army during World War I, an experience that likely shaped his future endeavors.
Following his military service, Steinke transitioned to a career as a professional wrestler, earning the nickname "The German Oak" for his impressive physical stature and formidable grappling skills. He traveled extensively across North America, competing against some of the most notable wrestlers of his time, including Jack Taylor, Ed Lewis, Stanislaus Zbyszko, Alf Dean, Earl McCready, Jim Browning, Ed Don George, and Milo Steinborn.
In addition to his wrestling career, Steinke also pursued a brief acting career in the 1930s, with a notable role as the brutish apeman Ouran in the 1932 film "Island of Lost Souls". His versatility extended beyond the world of sports and entertainment, as he also dabbled in golf, boxing, and the cement contracting business.
Despite his many accomplishments, Steinke's life was marked by his struggles with smoking, a habit he maintained throughout his entire life. He passed away at the age of 78 on June 26, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, due to complications from lung cancer.
