Neighbours for life: Steinbach families reflect on 50 years of shared memories

What started as a new development on the edge of Steinbach over 50 years ago has become something much more meaningful for a group of long-time neighbours on Willow Place. 

Families who moved in during the early 1970s recently gathered in Anne Peters’ backyard to reminisce, laugh, and reflect on five decades of shared life. The mood was joyful and heartfelt, as stories poured out — some familiar, others told for the first time — sparking warm memories and plenty of laughter. 

Longtime Willow Place neighbours gather on Anne Peters’ deck, sharing stories, laughter, and memories from over 50 years of life together in their Steinbach neighbourhood.

“We were all young, and we were all just starting our families,” said Anne Peters, who moved into her home with her late husband Gil on May 29, 1973. “We didn’t know each other before moving here, but we’ve shared so many life experiences since then. It’s just been great.” 

Growing together, staying put 

Among those at the gathering were Irene Schmidtke, who moved to Willow Place in 1971; John and Christiane Neufeld, who arrived in 1974; and Al and Mary Maier, who also moved in during that early period of development. At a time when many growing families might have relocated to bigger homes, these neighbours instead chose to expand their homes — and deepen their roots. 

Residents of Willow Place stand proudly in the cul-de-sac in front of the homes where they raised families and built lasting friendships spanning more than five decades.

John Neufeld said raising children alongside the same families for decades created strong ties that never faded. “It’s been wonderful,” he said. “A lovely little neighbourhood with fine neighbours who tolerated all our idiosyncrasies and the shenanigans of the young people. It’s been a perfect place to raise children.” 

Christiane Neufeld echoed that sentiment. “It gives you a really great sense of security knowing you have people who have your back,” she said. “We watched each other’s children. We watched each other’s homes. It made me very comfortable — and I came from the city.” 

More than neighbours 

Over the years, the stories piled up — some mischievous, some touching. They recalled tomatoes tossed at windows, lawn mower injuries, and noisy gatherings of teens while parents were away. Through it all, they watched over one another’s children and looked out for each other in a way that has become rare in today’s fast-paced world. 

“You get used to them and you get to like them,” laughed Irene Schmidtke. “And you don’t have to worry whether they like you — they just do.” 

Anne Peters agreed. “It means a lot,” she said simply. 

A place that feels like family 

The neighbours say much has changed around them. Once a quiet development on the outskirts of town, Willow Place now sits well within Steinbach’s growing city limits. “When we first moved here, it felt like we were living on the Prairies,” said John Neufeld. “Now we’re in the middle of a city.” 

But even as the city expanded, the relationships on Willow Place remained close-knit. Al Maier, who spent his career as a pastor at the local Lutheran Church, said that connection made all the difference when he was considering whether to move after retiring. 

“Why would I want to move?” he said. “This is family. We stayed, and we’re still thankful.” 

A patio table filled with snacks sits ready for longtime Willow Place neighbours as they gather in Anne Peters’ backyard to celebrate over 50 years of friendship.

Mary Maier added that the greatest gift has been the daily comfort of familiar faces. “The right word to use is security,” she said. “You just take it for granted. Usually in a neighbourhood there’s someone who annoys you, but this has just been a great group of people.” 

Her advice to others? Don’t take it for granted. “If you could find a neighbourhood like this, you’re very lucky. It’s been a wonderful place to be for the past 50-some years.”