Norbert George Steger

Norbert George Steger, 97, of Arvada, CO, passed away at home on March 9th, 2024.

Norb is lovingly remembered by his four children, Cynthia Griffeth-Matoush (Lee), Paul (Dayna Severson), Robert (Nena Zeiger), and Donna Ferguson (Mark). Norb's grandchildren are Angela Green (Ryan), Chad (Jenna Tuura), Brock, Andrew (Sarah Bailey), David (Robin Emerson), Peter Ferguson (Briana Murphy), Trevor (Jenn Kanikula), Bobby Ferguson, Tabitha, Nathan Matoush, and Ryan Matoush. His great-grandchildren are Ella, Maci, and Piper Green; Liivi and Vinten; and Jaxen. He also has many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Norb was preceded in death by Joan, his loving wife for 66 years; brother Ray; sisters Marcella and Loretta; son in-law Patrick Griffeth; and great-granddaughter Viona.

Norb was born on October 22nd, 1926, in Germantown, WI, the son of Catherine (Marks) and Andrew Steger. Most of his education took place in a two-room school. A nun recommended that he skip the third grade, which he did, ultimately graduating from the eighth grade at 12 years old. Many rural farm kids didn't attend high school in those days, and although there was discussion for Norb to go, there was no transportation, so his formal education ended at age 12. He easily earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Army.

At age 13, Norb began working full time on his father's farm. Over the years, he also worked as a welder, construction grader, car salesman, bus driver, and police officer. He also co-owned a trucking business and later owned and managed a mobile home park in Lannon, WI. Norb loved tractors, trucks, snowmobiles, cars, and machinery. He was a very mechanically inclined jack-of-all-trades who could fix or build almost anything.

In 1951, Norb and Joan met at an Eagles Ballroom dance in Milwaukee and soon fell in love. That same year, Norb was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Fontonet, France, to operate heavy equipment for road building. After he was honorably discharged, Norb and Joan married in 1953.

Norb's fondest memories involved family. He loved having fun with his four young children, thrilling them with rides in the bucket of his tractor, sledding, or pulling them on a toboggan behind a snowmobile on a frozen lake or snowy field. Norb also enjoyed several long road trips with Joan, exploring America in their van, which he fixed up with a bed, sink, and Coleman stove.

Norb and Joan moved to Colorado in the early 1980s. They were life-long Catholics and belonged to Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Aurora, CO, where they volunteered as greeters.

Norb loved Rockies baseball and rarely missed a game. He was also an avid card player who loved playing 500 and poker with family and friends into the wee hours. He's remembered fondly as a player who rarely lost, even when he was dealt a mediocre hand.

Another pastime Norb enjoyed was going to "the Hill," which was his nickname for Blackhawk and Central City, CO. In addition to gambling, he enjoyed the scenic ride there and back.

After Joan passed away in 2020, Norb lived in their townhouse until 2022, when he moved to Arbor View Senior Living in Arvada.

Norb's family and friends are very sad that he is gone, but they're grateful that he didn't experience prolonged suffering. They will always miss him and hope, with God's help, to one day see him again.

The family would like to thank Arbor View Senior Living and Bloom Healthcare & Hospice for their kindness, support, and care.