Lawrence W. Steimer, age 86, entered into rest on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Absolut of Gasport. Born August 12, 1926 in Gasport, NY, Larry is the son of the late George and Mable (Dettmer) Steimer.
Larry married Elisabeth Stolt July 7, 1951 at the Gasport Congregational May 22, 1994. Together they opened and shared their home with 14 youth and were very proud of their accomplishments.
Larry served his country during WWII overseas in the Army. He served from Nov. 1944 through August 1946. After being honorably discharged he finished his high school education at Royalton Hartland School.
After graduation in 1947 he continued his education at Goldwater Memorial Hospital and City Hospital in New York City receiving his NYS Practical Nurse's License. He then returned to Gasport and became owner and operator of Hillcrest and Hilltop Nursing Homes. In 1966 he saw his dream come true when he built and opened his NEW 83 bed "Hilltop Nursing Home, now The Absolut Nursing Home, on Lincoln Dr. in Gasport.
Larry's legacy is that he was involved "everywhere." He was active in many organizations: Covenant United Church of Christ, a member for over 50 years serving as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and always ready for craft night for bazaar workshops with his wooden cutouts to be painted or stained. He was a life member, over 50 years, at Gasport Chemical Hose, Life member of the American Legion Post #1253, serving as past Post Commander; charter member of Gasport Lions Club and his favorite, past president for many years of the Royalton Historical Society.
His proudest accomplishment was being one of the founding fathers of organizing Gasport's Boy Scout Troop 18 in 1946, still a very active troop today. Larry served as Scout Master, Explorer advisor and Skipper of the ship for over 20 years.
He also was involved with the Sun Shine Guys and Gals 4-H club for many years.
His love for horses gave him great pleasure. He opened the Steimer Argent Stables and provided therapeutic horseback riding programs for handicapped children. He even taught blind children how to water and downhill ski as well; with equipment he designed and made by his Amish friends. He was also known to get the bride to the church on time in his beautifully refurbished Landau Carriage and Postilion horses.
Larry is survived by his sister: Ruth Ann O'Stewart of Florida. He was predeceased by his wife, Elisabeth and his brothers: George (Lorraine) and Robert (Erma) Steimer. He survived by several nieces, nephews and close friends from both the Gasport and Amish communities.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Sherrie-Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St. Gasport on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 5 to 7 pm. The American Legion Post #1253 will assemble at the funeral home at 7 pm on Saturday evening. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Covenant United Church of Christ, 4449 Main St. Gasport at 3 pm.
Interment will be at Hartland Central Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Memorials appreciated to Covenant United Church of Christ, the American Heart Association or a charity of one's choice.
Sign the guestbook and view the photo gallery here:
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Lawrence-Steimer&lc=6899&pid=163253936&mid=5435761&locale=en_US
