Steve German
Stephen Thomas German
July 22, 1938 – December 5, 2022
Stephen Thomas German, known as Steve to his family & friends was born on July 22, 1938, at the family farm, northeast of Luseland, Saskatchewan.
Steve was raised on the farm where he would fondly tell stories of growing up, living off the land and being entertained by family and close neighbours. Steve and his siblings walked three miles a day to attend school at Abnott. Steve came from a family of 19 brothers and sisters and 3 half brothers and sisters. Steve would tell stories of growing up in a large family, in the wintertime there was always a race to get upstairs for a bed or end up sleeping on the floor. In summer months, he would reflect on the boys sleeping in a wooden grain bin with evenings spent playing cards for matchsticks. Steve began working at age 17 on road construction and water services near Edmonton, eventually moving to Unity to work at the Sifto Salt Plant. It was during this time that Steve met the love of his life, Genny Gerein. They met at a local community dance and were married Jan. 2, 1963. Steve and Genny had four children and moved around in their early years as Steve perfected his skill as a general contractor building houses. Steve and Genny and their young family moved to Kindersley in 1974 and built a successful construction business building many houses in the area. So well known for his craftsmanship and skill in building, it was common for someone to approach Steve and Genny to purchase their newly built homes that they had just moved into. Over the years, Steve was always yearning to return to the farm, and raise their children the way they were raised. Steve was attached to the land he farmed and built a successful farming operation evolving with the industry planting cereal crops, pulses and oilseeds, learning as he progressed. Steve’s life was never idle, he was always on the move building, fixing, tinkering, and improving the life of the family. Steve enjoyed playing cards, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Steve and Genny enjoyed visiting with people in the bleachers while the grandchildren participated in sports and activities. Many weekends were spent driving from the bowling alley to the arena to the curling rink so they could catch each game on the schedule and cheer on their grandchildren.
As the children grew up and the grandchildren began to arrive, Steve embraced his role as Grandpa. The grandkids loved spending time at the farm playing and learning building and farming skills from Grandpa. Sleepovers were frequently requested, and Steve never said no. As the grandchildren grew up, the relationships grew stronger. Many visits and phone calls were shared as Steve passed on his building and farming knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation. Steve loved to work, and he worked until his final day. When the last load of grain was delivered to town, he had his last drink and went to be with his beloved wife Genny.
Steve leaves behind his loving children Miles (Michelle), Dale, Kevin, and Melinda as well as his grandchildren, Derrick, Justin (Taylor), Ty (Rebecca), Alannah (Curtis), Cole (Whitney), Fontana (Zach), and Hayley and his great grandchildren Sam, Rory, Tyson, Owen, and Liam. Steve also leaves three brothers Leonard, Tony and Herman and his sister Anne.
Steve was predeceased by his parents John and Mary German, brothers and sisters, and his precious wife Genny. Steve now joins Genny, and they will be together forever.