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George Steigerwald Obituary

George R. Steigerwald GOOSE CREEK - George R. Steigerwald, 71, passed away quietly at his home in Goose Creek, SC on Christmas night. He was born at Ft. Meade, South Dakota in May 1943 to SSgt. George M. and Catherine Steigerwald. Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, George graduated in 1962 from Avalon High. He entered the US Air Force and remained with the military until his retirement in 1994 at the rank of CMSgt. George was a Vietnam veteran and the forerunner of military instructors for Radar Weapon Operations. During his military career, George twice earned the Meritorious Service and Air Force Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Philippine Presidential Citation, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, and numerous other awards and decorations. But George wasn't ready just yet to let others keep defending the skies. After settling in the Lowcountry, making this his home in 1998, George went working right away at Charleston International Airport as a Security Specialist with Global Security Services. Immediately after 9/11, George was compelled to join Homeland Security and continued serving for another 6 years as a TSA Security Supervisor, until he finally retired with a total of 45 years devoted to federal and civil service in 2007. George's greatest accomplishments, though, are reflected in the faces of his devoted wife and children. He quietly enjoyed his retirement, often going on trips with and visiting with his family, hitting up a casino from time to time, and flying with his military buddies. George is survived by his loving wife, Rita (Applegate) Steigerwald; daughters, Beth (Pete) Rosell, Jessica (Hunter) Register and A1C Shelly Applegate, USAF; sons Matt (Dawn) Steigerwald and Sgt. John Wiggins, USAF; mother, Catherine (Barton) Steigerwald; mother-in-law, Shirley (Mickel) Applegate; sisters Kathleen Pollacci and Bonnie (James) Marshall; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, George M Steigerwald; father-in-law, Jim Applegate, and brothers-in-law, Chuck Pollacci and Tim Applegate. A Military Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., January 2, 2015, at Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services, located at 7475 Peppermill Parkway in N. Charleston, SC. The family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Beldner, Roper-St Francis Cancer Treatment Center, and all their staff, for the care and comfort shown during these past few months. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 29 to Dec. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George Steigerwald

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LARRY RAJCHEL

December 23, 2023

George made me laugh. He had a way of using malapropisms example: using the term "Cadillac Arrest" instead of cardiac arrest or prases like "You've got to get up pretty late in the afternoon to put one over on me", He was a professional and used humor to make those around him feel good...

Beth Rosell

December 24, 2022

Hard to believe you have been gone 7 years now. I miss you so much. So many things I want to share with you. I k is you watch from heaven. Not a day goes by that I don´t think about you. Love you dad

January 7, 2015

In memory of Corky, Might I add a few comments to brother Doug's: I remember your red and white football uniform complete with single bar face mask while we played tackle the guy with the ball up over the fence in Kelly's back yard. Or the jokes told with aplomb after hearing them from your dad. Your swing with a bat that met brother Doug in the keister, all put you in a framework of fond remembrance of the Clive Street gang. I know our memories of you will Continue to bring smiles, and remain with us, like a name on the Williams/Woodburn Alley Brick Wall Hall of Fame.

Chuck (aka Dice) Richardson

Kevin Brown

January 5, 2015

I was sad upon hearing of George passing. He had a unique way about him. His sense of humor was second to none as he was always trying to make people laugh. He was a joy to work with and will truly be missed.

Doug Richardson

January 2, 2015

...that winter hat with the ear flaps that you wore until July, the nickel bribe you demanded so you could go to Meisters before school, the kickball games on Clive Street, doing flips off the bunk beds, sleeping out on the porch with mid-night raids on Pop's tomato patch, playing at the fence with Jinx, banging on Mrs. Zinkand's coal door and running like hell, playing in the lot across the street before the new houses were built, banging pots and pans at midnight on New Year's Eve, watching "Mama" on your TV, the first one on the street, Kenny Hall, Billy Fisher, Dickie Dassdorf, Woody Woodburn, Janice & Carol Sommers, Vicki & Tommy Edwards, Sylvia Hall and Linda Lawnmower(sp),
What a great start we had together. Wonder what's showing at the Bellevue movies this Saturday.

susan briggs

January 1, 2015

I'm so grateful to have met and worked with such a great soul. George always had jokes and a way of lightning up the workplace. I will truly miss his quirky demeanor. George Will be missed.

Lina Kratzert

January 1, 2015

To George's Family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Mr. George was one of my favorite people to work with. He would come to the counter, and always make me laugh. He was a kind soul and he had a sympathetic heart. He will be missed by so many.

Helaine Lewis

January 1, 2015

George will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to the family.

January 1, 2015

George was a cool old guy to work with. Always had a joke for you and always seemed to be in a good mood. I'll miss his goofy face.

- Bub

Andy Paniagua

January 1, 2015

May George Rest in Peace. It was good working with him at the airport. Condolences to the family.

John Davis

December 31, 2014

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with George as my supervisor and friend. I have great memories of the times we spent together. You were a good friend and will be missed.

L M

December 31, 2014

Never a dull day at work with Steigerwald. His loud boisterous laughter could be heard through the airport even during busy times. It seemed as though no one could dim his spirit. He had the energy of a teenager…. rest in peace buddy. L.

Richardson

December 31, 2014

Our prayers are with all of the family and we feel so lucky to have known Corky. We have so many wonderful memories of our growing up together on Clive Street. We are so proud of him as a man who served his family and his country in a beautiful way. The Richardson family from Clive Street sends all our love to each one of his family members.

Beverly (Applegate) Penney (USAF Vet)

December 31, 2014

Michelle, my dear cousin, my heart is breaking for you for the loss of your dear husband, George. I never got to meet him but anyone who could make you happy had to be the best of the best. I pray that God will give you the peace and comfort you need to get through this time of sadness. Just know that we are family, we love you, and we are here. My love is flying across the oceans to your heart. I love you - Beverly

Larry Rajchel

December 30, 2014

George was dedicated to duty and yet found humor in things around him. I'll never forget a couple of pranks we pulled and still talk about them when we get together. George, you were a pleasure to work with and there was never a dull moment. You'll be missed.

December 30, 2014

Rita, we are so sorry to hear of George's passing. He was such a happy man and always had a smile and a word to make our day a little more pleasant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim and Barb Tyrrell.

Joel Mickel, USMC, 1stSgt. (Ret)

December 30, 2014

RIP my fellow warrior, you gave your all to our great country and your family, now Heaven has a place for you to rest. Heart felt condolences to Michelle and family. Love you like a sister Chell, Joel

Linda Erfourth

December 30, 2014

RIP George, he was a good man and an awesome CMSgt. Can't overstate what he meant to the 107th, especially those of us in operations!

Bryan Bell

December 30, 2014

I had the pleasure of serving with CMSgt George Steigerwald (retired) at the 107 ACS in Phoenix, AZ. George was a model Airman and a great leader and friend many looked up to. I am honored I had the opportunity to know him! My thoughts and prayers go out to George's family and friends during this time of grief.

tad price

December 30, 2014

Rip pap I love and miss you . I know you keeping an eye out on all your family and loved ones .

Rhonda Mayfield

December 30, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with George at the airport. He always had a joke of the day to tell me. I am glad I got to see him on Tuesday night. I will miss him. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

deb graham

December 29, 2014

OH Beth.............so sorry and sad for you and your family.

Kim Hutchcraft

December 29, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Extra prayers are coming your way for you Beth and family.

SSGT Kenneth Douglas

December 29, 2014

My condolences to the Steigerwald family! May he rest in peace.

December 29, 2014

I love and miss you dad. You will always be in my heart. Beth's, Pete and Chad

Robert Thompson

December 29, 2014

I will miss George (Probe-3) at our Sunday flights. Even thou he missed the last Sunday, He still beat me this year.
God's peace be with you and your family.

(Probe-4)

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