George A. Stecher

George A. Stecher passed away at home on September 29,2021 with loved ones by his side. George was born September 10,1931 to Sadie and Ted Stecher in Vancouver Washington. He attended Arnada, Shumway and Vancouver High School where he was a pole vaulter and graduated in 1949. He lived in Vancouver his entire life, except during his military service. When he was about eleven years old he worked at Archers Bakery on the corner of 33rd and L Street with his brother (Norm) and childhood friend Bud Pietz. Before entering the Navy, George was a typesetter at the Skamania County Pioneer Press. He entered the Navy in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He served in the Navy on the USS Twining carrying out patrol missions in the waters off Korea and Japan. At the time of his discharge, he was in Long Beach, California where he met Josephine Jorgenson. They married in October 1954. They were married until her death in 1988 when her life was taken by cancer. George's career included 37 years working at the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, (Corwin Beverage). He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and it could not have been a better place to work. He adored and respected the Corwin's. In 1990 he married Marlene Pietz Dickinson who was the sister of his childhood friend, Bud. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage. George was active in the Vancouver Elks Club where he served as Exalted Ruler from 1969-1970. George was kindhearted, generous, and always ready to help. He loved fishing and clam digging often taking his family to the Coast of Oregon and Washington for vacations. He was devoted to his uncles, parents and numerous family members caring for them as they aged. He loved visiting his children and grandchildren and was always ready to help with a remodel project, farming or babysitting. He also enjoyed touring the United States in his motorhome with Marlene where they always attended USS Twining Navy Ship Reunions along the way. George is survived by his devoted wife Marlene, his children, Linda (Mike) Finney of Seattle: Gary (Cindy) Stecher; Steve (Diane) Dickinson; Danny (Ginger) Dickinson; and Andy Dickinson all of Vancouver. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved with all his heart. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Norman Stecher, parents Ted and Sadie Stecher and Josephine Stecher. Private burial service will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Clark County Food Bank. www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/tribute-gifts or by calling them at 360-693-0939

George A. Stecher

September 10, 1931 - September 29, 2021