Obituary of George Henry Steinke

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George Henry Steinke Jr. - AKA Bumpa after a lengthy battle with kidney disease.

George was born in Leader, SK on March 19, 1944.  He grew up on a farm near Richmound, SK where he also attended school.  Bumpa grew up knowing the value of hard work and honesty.  George married the love of his life, Sylvia Wagman, January 14, 1967, following a romantic courtship with fast cars and dancing.  George and Sylvia were blessed with their first child Kristine in 1970, followed by Kathleen, Karyn and finally their son Kent.  They were rewarded with their first Grandchild in 1998 followed almost yearly with 5 more.  Bumpa loved spending as much time as he could, spoiling them and sharing many teachings.  

By the age of 15, George entered the workforce doing a variety of labourer positions.  He then went on to automotive mechanics at SIAST.  George spent many years in the bulk fuel business, 15 plus years operating the Shell Canada business, side by side with his wife.  During most of those years they also ran a fleet of school buses.  George spent some years later in life with Coop Agro, then had the opportunity of a lifetime to manage a Ranch for Primrose Livestock which spanned 17 years.  George was happiest when he could be at one with nature, driving old Madder while checking the cattle. George never did any hunting at the ranch as he saw the beauty of nature and creatures from a different perspective after that.  It was only after his health started to fail that George and Sylvia made the move back to Prince Albert.

In George’s younger years he loved to play various sports including, soft ball, slow pitch and golf.  He never passed up an opportunity to go hunting, and fishing. George had a green thumb when it came to his garden.  He would spend many hours and took great pride in his garden, which supplied an abundance of produce for his family and many others.  As life slowed down, he developed a great love for reading and playing cards.

George was a huge family man, always putting family first.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and shared his love for nature and animals with them all.  George loved music,  he was always the first person on a dance floor, and singing along.  Even when his legs couldn’t hold him up anymore, the music was a must, toes tapping and still remembering every word to his favorite songs.  Everyone who knew him remembers his strong work ethics and limitless sense of humor and the prankster in him that continued to the end.

George is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Sylvia, children; Kris (Dexter), Kathy (Gord), Karyn (Jeremy), Kent (Joanne) grandchildren; Derian (Kassidy), Taylor (Eric), Kalin, Sam, Alex, and Monica, MacKenzie, Ryan (Blair), Sean (Amanda), Joel (Taylor), Adam (Fallon) and Makayla.  great grandchildren; Gage, London, Josh, Serena, Braxton, Alex, Cassia, Barrett, and Raven. his siblings; Jim, MaryAnn (Alvin), Phillip (Lorna), Alfred (Janice), Marie, and so many nieces and nephews.  

George is predeceased by his parents; Cecile and George Steinke Sr, his in-laws; Andrew and Monica Wagman, Sister; Matilda Bonagofsky, son-in-law; Derek Keast, sisters-in-law; Loraine and Janet Steinke, and brother-in-law; Patrick Wagman

George lived a full and happy life, the family requests funeral attire to be Colorful, Comfortable and Casual! 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Saskatchewan or the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 260 - 25th St. E, Prince Albert, SK. Please join the family for lunch at Carlton Park Hall, following the service at 3100 Dunn Dr.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. For those unable to attend, a livestream link has been provided here  https://youtube.com/live/YS5vuQGcr6E?feature=share. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.