Posted by: News_Desk on 02/17/2017 12:51 PM
Updated by: News_Desk on 02/17/2017 12:51 PM
Expires: 01/01/2022 12:00 AM
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Dwain Lee Steinsiek 1926 - 2017
Rail Road Flat, CA...Born February 14,1926 in Haywood, Oklahoma to Alvis Dent and Laura Steinsiek, Dwain spent the first eighteen years of his life in Haywood growing up during the depression and enduring dust storms on an Oklahoma farm. After graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy serving on a troop transport ship driving an amphibious landing craft. He saw action in lwo Jima, Okinawa, occupied Japan and China. He truly represented the greatest generation.
When he returned home in 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Merrill, beginning what would be a sixty five year marriage filled with love and accomplishments.
Unable to find satisfactory employment in his hometown, he and Maxine packed their 1937 Dodge with all of their worldly possessions and with $47 in their pocket headed to California in search of a better life.
They first visited his half-brother Alvis, who was living in River Pines, CA where he learned about opportunities in the forests of Calaveras, El Dorado and surrounding areas. Moving to Rail Road Flat in 1946 he began a fortythree year career as a timber faller and timber contractor.
When they first arrived in Rail Road Flat housing was limited. They eventually found an abandoned miner's cabin on the south fork of the Mokelumne River where they took up residence carrying water from the river and watching the stars through the ceiling. Young, in love and earning a decent living they looked forward to a bright future. Soon their first son Donald Charles was born and seventeen months later their second son Jimmy Wayne came along. Over time Dwain and Maxine became active members of the Rail Road Flat Community. They saved up and purchased their first home in 1959 where they happily lived the remainder of their days.
Dwain and Maxine spent many summers in the forests of California, living in a trailer with Dwain running a timber falling crew while Maxine would tidy the camp, cook for the crew and travel to Sacramento for saw parts and supplies.
Dwain and Maxine were active members of the Church of Christ in Sutter Creek and Jackson for over 50 years. During their lives they helped and cared for many people in the church and surrounding communities, providing living expenses, care and
transportation.
Dwain was a hard working, successful business person, always caring and providing for his family and others. He loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter in his free time. He was a kind, humble gentleman, mentor and a wonderful
example for his sons, fellow church members and the community at large. He was a leader by example.
Dwain was preceded in death by the love of his life, Maxine in 2011 and leaves behind his sons Donald (Anne) and Jimmy, grandchildren Abra, Alana, Jenna and Andrea and great grand children Austin, Alyssa, Alex, lsabelle, Makenna, Stella and
Corinna.
Services March 3rd 11:00 am, Central Church of Christ, 13300 Trent Way, Jackson, CA. Graveside Services Rail Road Flat Independence Cemetary 1:00 pm. ln lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Friends of Rail Road Flat Elementary P. O. Box 223 Rail Road Flat, CA 95248.
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