Wendell Steier

First of all, we'd like to say, we do not mourn a death on this day. We celebrate a well lived life and a passing into God's eternal glory. Mr. Wendell Steier of Lemsford, SK., and beloved husband of Agnes (Berger) Steier passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at the Long Term Care Home in Leader, SK. on Tuesday, November 10th, 2020, just a few weeks short of his 85th birthday. Along with Agnes, Wendell leaves to cherish his memory, 3 children and their families. Daughter, Della Mertin (Darren) of Leader, SK. And their 3 children, Jenna, Cole and Skye Stimson (Chris) and great granddaughter, Lennon Stimson. Daughter, Wendy Johnson (Rick Earl) of Cabri, SK. And her boys, Blake and Logan (Chelsea Dyck). Son, Dean Steier of Sceptre, SK and his son Deajay. Wendell is also survived by his sister, Gertrude Mundt of Camrose, AB. His brother Tony Steier (Vicky) of Medicine Hat, AB. His Sister in law Katherine Steier of Leader, SK. And many beloved nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his son, Patrick Steier, his parents Helen and Magnus Steier, his brothers; Paul, Jack and Pius Steier. His sisters; Walburga (infancy), Sophie Fenty, Kay Crosby and Lena Denis. His parents in law, Joseph and Eva Berger and great grandchildren Hannah and Danika Johnson. Wendell was born and raised on the Steier homestead at Lemsford, SK. He attended school and resided in this area his whole life. Wendell lost his father at the age of 18 and a few years later started farming the Steier land for his mother in 1959. In the winter months he worked in Swift Current at the Husky Service Station as a mechanic. This is where he met Agnes Berger, who was employed as a long-distance telephone operator. They were married on April 12, 1961 and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this year. This year was also the first time ever that they were not together on their anniversary, due to the Covid pandemic. They settled on the current homestead and farmed/ranched for 54 years, until Wendell became a resident of the Leader Long Term Care Home, shortly after his 80th birthday due to the onset of dementia. During the 1961-62 school years, Agnes & Wendell drove the south school van route for 6 children of the area. Carrying on the family tradition, as his mother drove a horse drawn van that took children to school for many years. The first 5 years of marriage were lean ones, due to 3 years of drought followed by 2 years of 100% hail. By this time Wendell and Agnes had more children than "cents", spelled as in dollar and cents. They had 4 children in rapid succession; Della (1962), Patrick (1963), Wendy (1964) and Dean (1965). Agnes must have thought that marrying rancher and not producing every year, that she would be shipped out! During this time Wendell was kept busy carrying water and feed for over 100 pigs, plus carrying water for baby laundry every other day. The pigs were a tremendous amount of work but provided an income. By 1975, Wendell had built his cattle herd up to over 100 head and this number is still current and maintained by Agnes and Dean today. Over the years there were cows to be milked, chickens to be fed and butchered and horses were used to work the cattle. Under Wendell's guidance, the love of the land, cattle and various livestock and the hard work raising them was ingrained and shared by the whole family. The kids at a young age, all learned to assist in all aspects of farming/ranching and were a big help. Over the years, Wendell was the "on call" cattle vet for a good portion of the neighborhood and could have repaired windmills and sand-point wells in his sleep. Wendell served as president of the Lemsford Stockman's Association and later as a director for many years. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone needing help with any task. For 10 years, Wendell worked at the farm/ranch of Gerald and Lydia Gropp, while Agnes did their farming at home, as well as a lot of custom work. Wendell, along with Agnes were actively involved in the Silver Sage Riding Club which involved a lot of the local youth. Wendell loved music and he loved to dance. He loved to visit with family, friends and neighbours and was not averse to sharing a rye and coke with them. There was the trademark worn circle on his shirts from the tin of Copenhagen that was always present. It is hard to remember a person and describe who they were and what they meant to you, when you have a lifetime of treasured memories condensed into mere paragraphs. But what we remember the most is that you seldom, if ever, raised your voice. That you always showed respect to others, that you were good natured, had an infectious laugh and an ever-present smile. You were a kind and gentle man, who worked hard all your life. God gives us one Father and we had the best! In closing, we just want to say thank you for the memories Dad, for these memories are now our treasures. We will always miss you but know that you will be watching and guiding us. We will not say goodbye, just rest in peace until we meet again. In Wendell's memory, memorial donation may be made to the Western Senior Citizens Ladies Auxilliary, WSCH Ladies Auxilliary, Box 122, Leader, Saskatchewan, S0N 1H0. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 306-773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family on our tribute wall.

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