Obituary of Edmund Steinke

Edmund was born on March 29, 1919 to Teofil and Pauline Steinke in Jawor, Poland. He was the eldest of 7 children. During wartimes, Ed was forced to move from Poland to Germany where he worked on the railway for 13 years. In 1946, Ed and Ottilie were married in Germany, working and starting their family. In 1950, Ed, Ottilie, toddler Erica and infant Gertrud arrived in Saskatchewan to briefly stay with Ed's parents who had arrived the previous year. Their final destination was Dawson Creek to join Ottilie's parents and brother who were already living here. Two more children Kurt and Irene made Ed and Ottilie's family complete. Always a farmer at heart, Ed bought a little acreage "farm" on the edge of town. It wasn't much, but they enjoyed freedoms they never before had. Ed and Ottilie worked hard to carve out a new life for their family. Cows, pigs chickens a large garden, family and faith sustained them. Ed was super fussy. He never went anywhere without dressing up and combing his hair. He was very particular about what he bought and wanted to buy the best he could afford, be it clothes, shoes, furniture or cars. His tools, materials and equipment had to be in their place and things had to be done the right way. He helped everyone in the family with their building projects, sheds, barns, garages, fencing and renovations. When he could no longer do the work, he still supervised from his chair. Family was everything to Ed. Always interested in what everyone was doing and where they were going, attending special events. He spoiled his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he loved teasing, wrestling with them and scaring them. In later years Ed loved drives in the country with a cup of coffee in one hand and McDonald's fries in the other, and his beloved companion Brady on his lap, just checking on crops, buffalo and building was unfolding as it should. Ed left us a legacy of family, love, resourcefulness and self sufficiency. You have equipped us well for life and we will all be fine. Ed passed away on July 27, 2010 at home at the age of 91 years, lovingly cared for by his family. Edmund is survived by his devoted wife Ottilie, his loving family; Erika, Gertrud (Burnem), Kurt (Phyllis), Irene (Barry), his youngest brother Richard, sister-in laws Emmy and Edna and their families. Grandchildren Bill (Sheila), James (Noreen), Christina (Greg), Shaun (Kim), Lisa, Scott and Trevor. Great grandchildren Sara, Betsy, Hana, Lilikoi, Brooke, Alyssa, Lewis, Alexa, Talia, Gavin, Byrch, Caleb and Garrett Grant. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Brothers Julius, Alex and Otto, Sisters Alma and Lydia and son-in-law Ernie Popyk. A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:00 pm at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Pastor Noel Smith officiated, interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Edmund to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Youth Group.