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George Stegmier Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for George Stegmier
Mike Kissinger
August 10, 2021
So sad to hear of Mr. Stegmier's passing. My greatest memory of him is how he made it easy to be in his class. There was a true Love of nature and science inside of him that flowed into his classroom's, especially when out in nature. We are sending the entire Stegmier Family our deepest sympathies.
STEPHEN M ALBERDA
August 6, 2021
When my dad came to visit he was unable to walk up the steps to their home. George made a ramp so my dad could be wheeled into their home. This act of kindness made my dad feel very welcome at their home.
Steven (Butts) Burkhardt
August 5, 2020
Like many I had George as a teacher, in 8th grade. He did make science fun. My condolences to his family and friends, especially Koren, whom I graduated with. May George forever Rest in Peace
September 4, 2011
My thoughts and sympathy are with you at your loss. I knew George during our junior high and high school years when we were both active at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was wonderful--slightly naughty in junior high (he liked firecrackers). He was the object of my affections for several years (unrequited), and he was a thoughtful loyal friend. I last spoke with him about twenty-five years ago when my daughter was about to be married, and he sounded exactly like the person I had known decades earlier. Reading his obituary, I can see that George remained faithful to all the values that he held as a young man. I am sorry for your loss.
Judith Lindberg Shoolery (Half Moon Bay, Ca)
Amy & Dave Schulz
August 22, 2011
Uncle George was an amazing person - always interested in learning how to do something. The fun was at least as much about engaging with others in a learning process, of building a passion for understanding and nurturing a way of being in the world that understood the importance of being in relationship with others and with nature.
We will miss you Uncle George – things won’t be quite the same without knowing that you are just a walk down the beach or that we are likely to run into you out in the woods on the road to Whitney’s. Thank you for everything you shared with us, and the opportunities to listen to you, learn from you, laugh with you, and celebrate a life beautifully and joyfully lived.
Ginger Stegmier
August 22, 2011
You can see what a great and wonderful legacy Uncle George has left by all of the heartfelt messages, and if you were able to attend the Goodwillie celebration of life Sunday. It was so special. Seeing Floretta at the lake this weekend was wonderful - I thought it would be hard, but you can feel George everywhere you look at the cabin. He will be missed, but I see him every time I pull in my driveway and look at his glorious RED bud tree and in the viburnum that I can't wait to see blossom and grow. See you on the other side George - missing you, but you are with us everywhere, all the time.
Kathy and Jack Crothers
August 22, 2011
Uncle George will be greatly missed. We will continue to celebrate his life and cherish his memories forever.
Jim and KayLyn VanderVeen
August 15, 2011
Bob and Gail---So sorry we couldn't join yo on Sunday. Keeping you all in our prayers. May you know God's peace.
Julie Kuenzel Kwan
August 15, 2011
I know that George's loss touches the entire Stegmier family. My condolences go to all of you. It is touching to see how many lives he influenced and what effects his teaching made on so many.
Bob & Gail Stegmier
August 15, 2011
My brother George Phillip Stegmier. George is my youngest brother, the youngest of five siblings.
He was a bit of a Maverick. He didn’t go to the U of M like his father and siblings, Jack, Betty, Susie and me. Sister Susie didn’t finish there but at Wittenberg University.
He didn’t take up engineering like his dad and two brothers either.
He went to Michigan State University and took Landscape Architecture.
George was an inquisitive person, a learner and last but not least an educator. I can remember more than once George saying “really?” only sometime later relating more information regarding that fact or incident.
George’s learning took him through Creston High School and then to a Landscape Architect degree and job in Minneapolis Minnesota where he met the “love of his life” Floretta quite commonly known as “Flo” or the Antique Lady. From there was Wittenberg University and a divinity degree and a few years as an associate pastor at Faith Lutheran Church.
From there came a long educating career at Lowell Middle school teaching and getting the students excited about the basics of science.
Upon retirement he swung right into action here at the Goodwillie Environmental School. Teaching the 5th and 6th graders here just how the Pioneers did things. Like building an authentic log cabin, how to use a draw knife, how to chink between the logs, making bricks from onsite clay, how to build an authentic fire place and chimney and of course much more. Education here also included hand dipping candles the pioneer way a very important task for pioneers because that was their reading light after dark. George, Floretta and a grandson Jacob brought this education to the Izaak Walton League for the Winterfest and Summerfest events as they did for numerous Civil War encampments. There you would see the long line of enthused kids and some parents taking their turn at dipping and growing their candle.
Oh did I forget to say he and a friend build his and Flo’s house on McCabe Ave NE. In the home are many things crafted in the pioneer way, such as a dining room set of Windsor Style chairs with the spindles turned on an authentic foot peddled turning lathe. A dining room chandelier with many wood turnings from this same lathe. Also found there is a tall hutch not planed on a planer at the lumber company but planed by hand by George with antique tools. Oh, don’t miss the fire place again designed to heat the pioneer room and to cook in, in the pioneer way.
At this home you can see the ‘landscape” education he got at MSU with the beautiful flowers growing in multiple tiered gardens some of what you see here this afternoon and many unique trees. Just three weeks ago last Friday George and I went to the barn where I picked up 20 or so tree seedlings for distribution to relatives.
Finally George, you were/are a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, in-law, friend and example for us to follow.
I trust we have learned the lessons.
Peace and love to Floretta and all of the Family
Peace on Gifford Lake
Jack & Diane Lents
August 14, 2011
Floretta and all the Stegmier Families.
We will truly miss that smiling face with such a twinkle in the eyes AND that Hobie Cat sailing him across Gifford Lake. It was a joy working with him when we were on the GL Board a few years back--and thanks for sharing your beach for our picnics.
Cheryl Endres
August 14, 2011
Grampa Stegmier was an integral part of both of my children's experiences at GES. Allison's class helped begin the building of the cabin, and learned many valuable lessons about life in the process. Spencer and my husband Bill spent many hours volunteering and learning about "old school" methods of construction, and Spencer's class got to put the finishing touches on the homestead.
Grampa was a kind and gentle teacher who helped foster a love of history and nature. He will be missed.
Cheryl, Bill, Allison and Spencer Endres
Devan
August 14, 2011
All the GES kids will be missing you Grandpa Stegmier.
normt & dot tock
August 13, 2011
Our condolences to the family of George, He was a neat guy.
Michael Kissinger
August 13, 2011
Mr Stegmier was one of those teachers you will always remember. He taught me how to tap maple trees and make syrup as well as sparking a life long pursuit in astronomy. Thank you sir and God bless you...
Cindy Hubrecht
August 12, 2011
My Son Brian Palazzolo had many wonderful memories of Goodwillie and "Grandpa" was no exception-
Katie Wills Peters
August 12, 2011
Mr. Stegmier was my very favorite teacher at Lowell Middle School. I have wonderful memories of his class, science olympiad, and after-school science club. He truly cared. He was the best. My prayers are with his family.
August 12, 2011
I really enjoyed being a student of Mr. Stegmier. He was a great teacher. My prayers with deepest sympathy to the family,
Tamara Fish (Tammy - Lowell, MI-class of 1982)
Randy and Rhonda Roth
August 12, 2011
Our condolences to the family. We had him as a teacher at Lowell Middle School.
Chris Hobbs Sanches
August 12, 2011
Mr. Stegmier was one of my favorite teachers. I'll never forget about the times making maple syrup and learning how to bird watch. Lori, my sympathies to you & yours.
Darlene Fisher
August 12, 2011
I remember you from school and your were just a wonderful teacher sweet and very kind to me. I send my condolences to your family God has another wonderful angel now, please say hi to my baby brother who also had you in school .. God Bless you Mr Stegmier..
Greg Hill
August 12, 2011
He was a well liked Teacher in science and the exploratory classes,God speed,Mr Stegmier.
tina siciliano-cadwallader
August 12, 2011
What a huge loss! He was WONDERFUL when he was my teacher, what stregnth he had not to kill me, Tracy and Etta. He was a Dad to many of us. Thank you Stegmier family for sharing him with all of us.
Martha Applegate Schonberger
August 12, 2011
I will always remember Mr. Stegmier as a genuinely caring and inspiring teacher. I am very sorry to hear of his passing...
Bette Jackson
August 12, 2011
I didn't know George as a teacher, but as a friend. He and Floretta always welcomed me into their home for a wonderful time. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the whole family and my appreciation for time that was spent and will be spent with everyone.
DeeDee Tate
August 12, 2011
Heaven is getting one of the best teachers a person could of had while growing up. My sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
Dortha Stewart
August 12, 2011
I dated his grandson, Jacob, and was blessed enough to spend time with George. He was an amazing man, sweet and kindhearted. This truly is a great loss, not just for the family, but for a good part of the community. My prayers are with the family...Rest In Peace, George, you are loved and you will be missed!
Jill VanAntwerp
August 12, 2011
George was a stellar teacher--one of the best I knew in my career. Team teaching with him was a wonderful experience. I won't ever forget him. Chris, Jay and I send our condolences.
Mike Kropewnicki
August 12, 2011
"Every Legend Has A Hero" and this was that Hero. George was an amazingly kind and joyful man. As one of his grandsons' close friends he always saw me over at the Johnson household from time to time as I grew up. It was always a pleasure and an honor to talk to him. He will always be family to me and will always remain close. He will never be forgotten because as legends go, this isn't the end, but the beginning of something new. =]
August 12, 2011
We are sending our love and symphathy to Floretta and the family. We will always remember his trips to Minnesota to visit with relatives. The snipe hunts, the celebrations, the laughter and fun times. The service you are planning sounds so wonderful. What a tribute to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Bob & Becky Hansen
Steven Burkhardt (Butts)
August 12, 2011
I am deeply honored to have had Mr. Stegmier as a teacher in middle school and am glad to have had his daughter as a friend and classmate
Valerie Cramer
August 12, 2011
My memories of George go back to the 60's and early 70's. He was close to our family (Ed/Verna Frey). I remember him always smiling and of good cheer. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss. God bless you all. The Frey kids.
Jean Batterbee/Precious
August 12, 2011
My Thought's and prayer's are with you all at this time. He was a great friend and an awesome teacher. He has truly touched the lives of many in Lowell.
Karen Eggleston
August 12, 2011
My Thought's and prayer's are with you all at this time. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher.
Rud Abbott
August 11, 2011
My memories of George go back to a canoe trip down the Pine River many years ago. George was a good friend and a quiet but deep thinking man. It was my honor to have known him. I shall miss him.
Rud Abbott
Hower Family
August 11, 2011
Dear Floretta and family,
'Grandpa' will always be in our hearts. We had the honor, and privilege of getting to know him, and work by his side ( with his expert guidance) while our daughter, Bella, was at Goodwillie. In deepest respect and love, the Hower Family
marilee hopkins genereaux
August 11, 2011
It was awesome knowing this man and family and spending good times with Lori so long ago. God bless you all.
Poole Family
August 11, 2011
George, we will always love and miss you, but we will try to remember all you taught us and follow your example to never stop learning.
Jim and Cheryl Marton
August 11, 2011
Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Stegmier family. George is going to be missed here on Gifford Lake, and we will miss watching him sail on his Hobie Cat.
Kathy Roth
August 11, 2011
Dear Floretta and family,
Grandpa Stegmier will be greatly missed by his Goodwillie family. All three of our children had the privilege to work with him and enjoy his love for kids and his passion for the beautiful pioneer homestead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of heartfelt love from,
the Roth family
Mary Ann and Jerry Cieszkowski
August 11, 2011
Dear Floretta and Family,
We were truly saddened to hear of George's illness and subsequent passing. Our prayers are with all of you. George will be greatly missed at Gifford Lake. The Stegmier family is an integral part of our "lake family" .
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