Steinhauer was born as Christine Trutzenberg in Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on 12 August 1908. She resided in that city until her old age, when she moved to a nursing home in Niederkrüchten.

Steinhauer was noted for her membership in the Eifel Club, spanning over sixty years. This club organizes various activities including hikes, bike rides, and cultural celebrations. As the Neuss chapter of the Eifel Club also marked its 110th anniversary in 2018, Steinhauer was honored with a green merit pin. She was reported to be physically fit and mentally sharp on this occasion.

Steinhauer passed away in Niederkrüchten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on 2 December 2018, at the age of 110 years, 112 days.