George Stenekes, 82

George Stenekes, 82, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2026, in an automobile accident near Trestle Creek, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint.

George was born in Ngordbergum, Netherlands on Sept. 6, 1943, to Hendrik and Alida Steneskes. He grew up and attended schools in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. During his teenage years he worked in the paving industry and playing hockey became a lifelong passion.

George enlisted in the United States Army in 1962, where he served for 8 years, including tours in Vietnam and Germany. In 1970, he entered the reserves and served as a master sergeant in the Special Forces and as a training NCO. He retired from the military in 1986.

George married Laverne Reams in Florida in 1976. After the military, he worked many other jobs including construction and as a driver. George moved to Sandpoint in 1997. Most recently, he had been delivering newspapers for the Bonner County Daily Bee. George was a devout Christian and served the Lord with a servant’s heart and a Berean’s heart to research the Bible, history and related subjects. He always wanted to know more, and he shared what he learned with others.

George was a co-founder of the Sandpoint Hockey Association. George led with a true servant’s heart. His dedication to the sport of hockey, his community, and the countless players he coached and mentored was evident to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Throughout the years, George founded and coached numerous teams, creating not only opportunities to compete, but a lasting sense of camaraderie and family among his players. He loved the game, loved to compete and certainly loved to win, but he always understood that the greatest victories were achieved through teamwork. Whether celebrating a championship or navigating a difficult loss, he was quick to recognize and give credit to the collective effort of his team.

George’s love for hockey and the people it brought into his life was perhaps never more evident than following his near-death experience on the ice in 2016. Upon regaining consciousness, his first question was, “What was the score?” In true George fashion, following the Lord’s command to love others as himself, he later turned that experience into an opportunity to give back, by raising funds to provide an AED at the rink so that others might have access to lifesaving equipment in an emergency.

Time and again, George demonstrated that hockey was about far more than the game itself. It was about friendship, family, service and the bonds created through shared experiences. The many players, families, teammates and friends whose lives he touched will carry those memories and lessons with them for years to come.

George leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the rink. His generosity, competitive spirit, devotion to his community and unwavering love for the people around him left an indelible mark on countless hearts. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing the ice — and life — with him.

He is survived by his wife, Laverne Reams of Sandpoint; brothers, William (Edith) Stenekes of Netherlands, Jack (Pearl) Stenekes of Winnipeg, Manitoba, John Stenekes of Hamilton, Ontario, and Simon (Suzanne) Stenekes of Simcoe, Ontario. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Henry Stenekes; and sister-in-law Karla.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit George’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.