Clarence Ralph Steinke May 1, 1933 - April 19, 2011 Clarence Ralph Steinke passed away in Estevan, Sask. on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the age of 77 after a lengthy illness. Clarence was born to Elizabeth and Harold Steinke on May 1, 1933 at Walter Steinke's farm by Outram, Sask. He attended school at Marine School north of Torquay. After school, he moved to Ontario with his family for a winter and then returned to Saskatchewan to farm with his Dad. Clarence met Yvonne Lee during this time. They were married on August 29, 1953. They moved to their own family farm in 1954 in the Macoun District. They had four children: Adele, Darwin, Curtis, and Bonnie. In 1995, they retired, sold the farm, and moved to Estevan. His life-long passion was his farm which included working the land; and taking care of his horses, cows and other livestock. He thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet of country living and the farm life. He had a very strong work ethic. He enjoyed many visits with his relatives and friends. He spent his spare time fishing, hunting, camping, ski-dooing, and playing cards. He was also known for his unique wood working skills. There was a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face when his grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit. He was also known to play the odd prank or share a joke with just about anyone. Clarence and Yvonne enjoyed many years being a part of the Macoun Square Dancing Club. Highlight trips for Clarence and Yvonne included travelling to Australia on a farmers' tour and then to Alaska to search for gold. In Estevan, Clarence kept some of his farm equipment (lawn tractor) in tip-top shape in order to mow the back forty (lawn) and to plow the snow from the country lane (driveway). He made sure that there was a potato crop grown every year and that his garlic patch thrived. Clarence was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Elizabeth Steinke. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Yvonne Steinke (Lee); their children, Adele (Dave) Burry; Darwin Steinke; Curtis (Jodi) Steinke; and Bonnie (Alden) Lindgren; Grandchildren - Michelle, Kari Lee (Chris), Lori (Josh), Kristen, Vicki (Lonnie), David Jr., Amanda, Nicole, Angela, Marissa and Owen and great grandchildren - Douglas, Kyrra, Cyrus, Lucus, and Lee. He is also survived by his kid sister, Shirley (Bill) Ochitwa of Regina. The celebration of Clarence's life took place at Trinity Lutheran Church and interment was at Macoun Cemetery on Monday, April 25. Donations may be made to the new Nursing Home in Estevan in care of Vernon Buck, 1909 Wellock Road, Estevan SK S4A 1X4 or the charity of your choice. Clarence's life could also be honoured by donating blood through the Canadian Blood Services In Honour Program. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. Thank You The family would like to thank Dr. Christie, Dr. Sheikh, the St. Joseph?s Hospital staff, and Pastor Cicely McDougall for their support. Thank you to family, friends and neighbours for their kindness and consideration during this time of sorrow.
