Guestbook
We regret to inform you that our dear friend and King of Nutcrackers, Herr Christian Steinbach, passed away peacefully the morning of February 26th, 2007. Our deepest love and sympathy goes out to his Family and the Steinbach factory. Please feel free to comment in our guestbook and share your fondest memories of Herr Steinbach. He will be greatly missed by many, and his legacy lives on in his life long passion of Nutcrackers.
Note: We have closed the guestbook to new entries.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gorman
San Jose, California
2007-06-03 00:00:00
Our deepest sympathies to the Steinbach family and factory. We were very fortunate to meet Herr Steinbach during his last U.S. visit in 2005. His amazing spirit and dedication really connected with nutcracker fans. Thank you, Mr. Steinbach, for creating such historical and artistic pieces of craftsmanship. Your legacy and memory will be with all of us through family traditions and holiday seasons.
steve longacre
allenstown, New Hampshire
2007-05-03 18:54:50
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the Steinbach family. I will never forget when my granmother gave me Merlin, from the camelot series. He still is the favorite of my collection. Such wonderful work, and these are pieces of history that I can pass on to my children. Thank you.
r. souders
parkesburg,pa,usa
2007-04-29 17:27:57
your beautiful nutcrackers will keep you alive forever.
Eugene P Reese
Jackson, TN
2007-04-28 16:53:18
His ability to capture all aspects of characters was amazing. We shall miss him.
Karen Vollmer
Cleveland, OH
2007-04-27 21:07:56
Herr Steinbach brought smiles to my heart everytime he visited the US. My deepest sorrows.
Mary Huber
5622 Marine Parkway, Suite 9,Florida
2007-04-27 13:10:55
I have a Steinbach nutcracker room in my home and a prized photograph of my aunt purchasing a nutcracker for me when Mr. Steinbach visited Baltimore, Md. He will most certainly be remembered with love.
Jon
Agoura Hills, CA., U.S.A.
2007-04-24 19:04:56
We will miss you and your beautiful products.
Coleta Swenson
Park City, Utah
2007-04-24 17:21:16
My deepest sympathy goes to your family. I have very much enjoyed my nutcrackers and smokers over and years. My mother just recently passed away and now I am also enjoying her nutcrackers and smokers that she collected.
Shirley Poole
Pulaski, Tn
2007-04-23 13:56:47
We have purchsed many Nutcrackers over the years and he signed several of them. We purchased them for our grandson who collects them. We will certainly miss him.
Nancy Boos
San Francisco, California
2007-04-23 13:21:49
I attended many signings of my nutcrackers with Herr Steinbach. He was always jovial, fun, interesting and loved his crafts. The personality he brought to the business was the better than anyone could have done. I know he enjoyed the people who purchased his nutcrackers and enjoyed talking with them. I will miss him .
Judi Calca
Waterbury, CT
2007-04-23 08:26:16
Sorry for your loss. We will all miss his creative energy.
Alan & Robyn Egli
Cottonwood Heights, UT
2007-04-22 13:09:06
A Ssteinbach nutcracker has been an annual Christmas present for the past 25 years.
Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Alan, Robyn & Morgan Egli
Pat Pardee
Tulsa, Oklahoma
2007-04-22 11:25:46
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy and to let your family know how much I have enjoyed my collection of Steinback Nutcrackers for the past 25 years. I get so many wonderful comments from friends and neighbors when they visit. What a wonderful legacy he has left for all of us. Thank You
Albert
NJ
2007-04-22 08:56:42
My wife and I met Herr Steinbach at one of his signings. He was so kind and friendly. He took a picture with us and later sent us the picture. We were so surprised when it came in the mail. We were saddened to hear of his passing.
Angela Galen
Oak Ridge, TN
2007-04-21 22:33:20
I first met Herr Steinbach 9 years ago on a trip to Hohenhameln, Germany at his factory. My friend Nancy (a collector of hundreds of Steinbach nutcrackers who introduced me to these nutty buddies) and I took a trip to visit his factory. We had coffee and cookies and bought many nutcrackers and he signed a special one for my son who also collects them. I have a picture with Herr Steinbach hanging in my kitchen to this day which I am very proud of. My sincerest sympathies to his family, we will all miss him dearly.
Susana
4446 So Adonis Dr
2007-04-20 17:26:06
I had the opprtunity to mee Mr Herr Steinback and Karla in Utah .Deepest sympathies to his family.
Dave & Adele Harriman
8360 Porto Fino Ct, Sandy, Utah 84093
2007-04-20 12:28:29
Thank You for the many wonderful moments Your pieces have brought us. The Three (3) Wisemen sit on the end of our Steinback display case, overlooking my desk. I often look at them-their beauty- and chuckle to myself- They are helping me make my decisions--
Thank You -You will be long remembered by Your beautiful work.
Sincerely, Dave-Adele-Toby Harriman
Bob and JIll
Holladay
2007-04-20 10:11:30
Our deepest sympathies to the Steinbach family as well as our heartfelt thanks. What a magical gift Herr Steinbach and the Steinbach family has to bring such beauty and joy to others through their work. Although Herr Steinbach will greatly be missed we look forward to many more years of collecting the works of Karla.
Karen & Roger Hawkes
West Jordan, UT
2007-04-19 18:59:58
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbach family. Herr Steinback was a remarkable man with a great gift. A Christmas will not go by without thinking of him and his wonderful nutcrackers, many of which we have. It was a pleasure to have met this incredible man and have our picture taken with him. His daughter has a great legacy on which to build.
Carl & Jennifer Erickson
South Jordan, Utah
2007-04-19 15:45:38
We are so sorry for your loss. We have had a tradition for years and years with our mother who we get a signed nutcracker every year for christmas. She has had the opportunity several times to meet Steinbach and his family and to have her picture taken with him and have her nutcrackers signed. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charlie Sheehan
Layton, UT
2007-04-12 16:29:18
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Steinbach family. Mr. Steinbach was such a wonderful and loving man. He always made us feel like we were his good friends even though we only saw him once a year at signings. He will be missed for his kind eyes and good heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Elizabeth Stewart
Voorheesville,New York 12186
2007-04-09 10:39:37
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man. He left behind a wonderful legacy. I am glad I have been part of his creative life. I will remember him every Christman with his wonderful nutcrackers. I will remember him in my prayers along with his family. Elizabeth Stewart
Margaret Sherwood
Independence, Missouri
2007-04-08 21:17:38
A great man! I will miss the opportunity to visit with him each year and have him sign his nutcrackers for me. He will be misssed by many.
Linda Spaulding
Johnson City, New York, USA
2007-04-04 20:28:17
I was able to visit Mr. Steinbach a few times and have some nutcrackers signed. I gave him a hug the first time because he brought so much joy to my life. I have a treasury of nutcrackers in my curio in my living room. I also have some treasurable, wonderful pictures of me with him. What a gift he was. God Bless.
Tina Sheffield
Sweeny, Texas USA
2007-03-28 23:56:57
I was sadden but aware of his age & illness. My regards to the family. I am a glutten for the nutcrackers especially a STEINBACH!!!!!!!!!!!
Lois Farr
anaheim, ca
2007-03-25 16:25:33
Your work is beautiful and I am only now, almost too late, discovering the beauty of your work.
Doug Belhumeur
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2007-03-24 22:20:55
Dear Karla and family,
Please accept my deepest and most sincere expression of sympathy for the loss of your father, and my dear friend, Christian Steinbach. I am truly saddened by his loss and share your grief at this difficult time. I have many fond memories and pictures of our time together on his many trips to America for signings, he will be missed by those of us that had the pleasure to meet him and share good times together. May God help you through this dark time. Sincerely, Doug and Lenore Belhumeur
Leslie Decker
Kalamazoo, MI USA
2007-03-24 20:58:10
My husband and I were fortunate enough to meet Herr Steinbach in Georgia in about 1993. We found him to be a very friendly man who really seemed interested in the people who bought his nutcrackers. We bought 3 that day and he signed them, and they will remain precious to us.
Pat Shannon
Greensburg PA 15601
2007-03-18 20:11:43
You will be greatly missed. I will cherish the Nutcrackers that I have signed. My sympathy to the family. His memory will live forever thru his nutcrackers!
John Fidler
Nebraska
2007-03-16 20:56:25
Your nutcrackers and smokers provide so much pleasure to me. Thank you
VIRGENE HAAS
MINNESOTA, USA
2007-03-16 16:22:09
I HAVE ENJOYED ALL THE WONDERFUL NUTCRACKERS I HAVE. THE EXPERT WORKMANSHIP WILL BE MISSED
Mary Lou Gorman
Branchburg, NJ
2007-03-16 16:19:43
I had the priviledge of meeting Herr Steinbach when he was at a signing at the Straw Star in New Hope, PA. I value the ones that he signed for me as well as the picture taken with him.
My collection has grown larger than I ever thought it would--I just like them!!
Joanne Dufresne
Minnesota
2007-03-15 11:53:51
We had the pleasure of meeting this fine gentleman during his visit to Stillwater, Minnesota.
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to his family.
Sandra Chabot
Etters, PA
2007-03-15 10:24:01
Christmas has lost a true Saint. While the Steinbach family will carry on, Herr Steinbach’s special Christmas magic is gone forever. We will miss him but he will live on through his creations we all love and cherish.
Linda
Jupiter FL
2007-03-14 20:26:25
Your legacy will live on and you will be missed
Richard Chabot
Pennsylvania, USA
2007-03-12 10:06:38
Your love for your art wil be missed.
Heidi Berman
Spencer, New York
2007-03-11 12:14:57
I will miss his talents, I have numerous nutcrakers and approximately over half of them were signed by him. I will miss his creativity and imagination. Each year, just after thanksgiving I would go to the Steinbach Store located in Manhatten, New York to view the up coming designs and to purchase
some of the older pieces. This year it will have a different meaning and purpose. I am looking forward to the new designs and a possible tribute to Herr Steinbach.
Becki Dietrich
Atlanta GA
2007-03-10 15:39:35
What a wonderful life he had. He made so many people with his fantastic nutcrackers.
Werner Dirla
Perry Hall, MD
2007-03-10 12:52:09
My sincere condolences to the Steinbach Family. My wife and I attended signings by Herr Steinbach a couple of times and he will be fondly remebered every Christmas season.
Brian Terjung
Riverview, Florida
2007-03-07 15:26:11
Herr Steinbach will always be remembered as a kind spirit who always took extra time with those who admired his craft. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him and have him sign several nutcrackers. His memory will live on in our hearts and in the many homes that he has helped brighten through his love and creativity.
Alvin Leong
Alameda, CA, USA
2007-03-02 15:31:54
To the Steinbach family,
Our deepest symphathy to you for the loss of Mr. Herr Christian Steinbach. His memory will forever be with us through the beautiful nutcrackers adorning our home.
Joseph Robinson
West Jordan, Utah
2007-03-01 20:15:11
It is with much thanks that I look on the wonderful creations that Herr Christian Steinbach has created. I am so very thankful for all the joy he has provided my family and I. his memory will live with me always. THANK YOU MR. STEINBACH, THANK YOU.
Mary Walsh
Boston Ma
2007-03-01 18:51:58
My deepest sympathy to the family.
I shall treasure the pictures of him together with my husband and me.
Michelle Robinson
McKinney, Texas
2007-03-01 18:33:50
Thank you Herr Steinbach! I have many,many great memories because of the nutcrackers this man created! I have three display cases full of them and cherish the memory of each one! You will be missed, but your memory will live in your work and our hearts!
We send our blessings and prayers to you family.
Patricia J Gorney
Lake View, NY
2007-03-01 18:08:34
Mr. Christian Steinbach, was a very wise and nice man to know, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet him once.
May God Bless and keep you close to His Heart, as I know He will.
Susan Browning
Alexandria, VA
2007-03-01 14:19:12
I am sorry that I never was able to meet Herr Steinbach, but his nutcrackers fill my house every Christmas and I will think of him every time I take them out of their boxes. His workmanship is beyond the pale.
"stephanie kleinermann
Fullerton Ca.
2007-02-28 23:20:51
I met Herr Steinbach in 2001. I remember him as a kind man with a good sense of humor.
Sandy Dybal
Schiller Park, IL
2007-02-28 22:56:19
My deepest sympathy for your loss of Herr Steinback. A few years ago I met him at a signing in Long Grove, Illinois. He was a wonderful gentlman. He took the time to have a picture taken with me. I will always treasure the workmanship of the nutcrackers that I have collected. May his legend live on.
Roger Tucholski
Ohio, USA
2007-02-28 22:35:39
He will forever be remembered by our family.
Christina Giorgi
Orlando FL
2007-02-28 21:38:26
Herr Steinbach will be sorely missed. He was a master craftsman who brought joy and happiness to many with his Nutcrackers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,
Don Stewart
Fairport, NY
2007-02-28 21:13:07
Herr Steinbach created magnificent nutcrackers. My wife(she
died January 30) and I collected 21 spectacular, perfect "crackers" over the years. I usually gave them as Christmas presents to the both us. Christian will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Johanna Riedl
Portland, Oregon, USA
2007-02-28 20:55:10
Our deepest condolences to Karla and family.I had the honor meeting Herrn Steinbach a few Years ago here in a kunst store. My husband comes from the region in the Erzgebirge, he also met Herrn Steinbach and we even got some photos together with him.
Johanna Riedl
Lorrainne McLaughlin
El Dorado Hills CA.
2007-02-28 19:04:46
Herr Steinbach will be sorely missed. I have about three dozen of his miniature nutcrackers, which my family and I enjoy immensely, as well as five of the larger ones.
His memory will live on through his creations.
Ana Cainelli
Vienna, VA
2007-02-28 14:58:47
I am so saddened by the news of the passing of Herr Steinbach. I have over 400 of his works of art, and I feel like there is a part of him that went into the creation of every single one. I had the gift of meeting him in Middleburg VA during his last USA visit in 2005, he was such a joy! His nutcrackers are not just a product, you can see the care and love that goes into each one. My deepest sympathy to Karla and his entire family and factory staff.
Joanne Gallagher
Burbank, CA
2007-02-28 12:58:40
My mother and I had the wonderful opportunity in meeting Herr Steinbach at a signing in 2000 at Alpine Village, CA. He was a kind, gentle, and a wonderfully talented man. We will always treasure our Steinbach collection and know that his legacy is being carried on by his daughter, Karla. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Susan Guthrie
Miami, Florida, USA
2007-02-28 11:34:34
Herr Steinbach was a genius when it comes to making and designing nutcrackers. I have a lot of his nutcrackers, and continue to enjoy collecting them. My hope is that his legacy will live on in the talented hands of his carvers.
Alan Kromer
Flossmoor, IL
2007-02-28 11:26:11
Herr Steinbach was the first one to tell me where in Germany my heritage began. He will be fondly remembered and we will miss his smiling face. Good luck to Karla and to the entire Steinbach family..
Roberta Donato
Peckville, Pa
2007-02-28 11:09:45
I will always remember him. I first met him at a signing at Switzerland Old World Gifts in Tannersville, PA. He told me stories of his life in Germany after and during the war and how much he loved his country and its people.
He signed one of my early pieces "In rememberance of the German people - no longer living from the once young boss - now old."
Condolences to the Steinbach family. He will be missed.
Mark Armellino
North Arlington, NJ
2007-02-28 09:25:21
I am deeply saddened to here of his passing. My family and I will miss meeting him at signings at Switzerland Old World Gifts in Tannersville, PA.. We will treasure each nutcracker and will always remember the good times we had with him. At least our memories of him will last forever in our hearts. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Don Burge
Mansfield, Ohio
2007-02-28 08:59:45
I am very saddened to hear of Herr Christian Steinbach’s passing. I was fortunate to have met him on many occasions during signings throughout the county. I will always treasure the many nutcrackers I have which were signed by him. With deepest sympathy to his family, friends and many nutcracker collectors.
Nancy Rickwartz
St.Louis,Mo.
2007-02-27 23:40:51
It is with deep sadness that I read your email.I met Herr Steinbach and Karla at a signing in St.Louis in 2001.Besides signing the Nutcrackers I purchased he also was kind enough to write a note to me in my Steinbach book of Nutcrackers.I will always treasure this along with the picture of us together.
He was a warm,wonderful man whom we will miss.I am so glad I have all my Nutcrackers to remind me of him. My Statue of Liberty Nutcracker sits in my office in my house signed in 2005.I have been collecting his Nutcrackers for many years.My deepest sympathies to Karla.
Karri Martin
Newbury Park, CA
2007-02-27 22:43:45
I met Herr Steinback in 2000 - he was so sweet! He will most definitely live on through his wonderful creations. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Julie Malouf
Dallas, Texas
2007-02-27 22:08:52
Herr Steinbach was indeed a creative and innovative artist whose legacy must be continued. I started my nutcracker collection over 40 years ago and continue to add to it every year. I treasure each and every piece and shall pass them on to my family members with pride. We shall all miss this wonderful man.
Scott Lundberg
Taylorsville, UT
2007-02-27 21:58:31
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Steinbach family. Herr Steinbach was a wonderful man.
George Thomas
Blackwood, NJ
2007-02-27 21:55:52
My partner and I had the opportunity to meet Herr Steinbach and Karla at Switzerland Old World Gifts in Talleyville, PA. What a wonderful man. He had such fun with everyone, especially the ladies! His smile will be missed!
Mary Schmidt
Ewing, NJ
2007-02-27 21:47:40
The world has lost a true craftsman. His legacy will live on in his beautiful creations. He gave so much pleasure to so many. We owe Christian and his family a deep sense of gratitude. May his spirit live on forever.
Ed Mayer
Midland Park, Nj
2007-02-27 21:15:34
My deepest condolences to the Steinbach family. Herr steinbach was a great man and will truely be missed. He has left a memorable legacy. I have been collecting Steinbach nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments for over 25 years. He will be missed.
Shawn Moore
The Woodlands, Texas
2007-02-27 21:12:59
The legacy will carry on, Thanks Herr Steinbach for the many great nutcrackers.
Judy Milligan
Edmond, OK
2007-02-27 20:59:36
My first nutcracker was a Steinbach 25 years ago. Our visit to the factory in germany was the highlight of our trip. He will be greatly missed by all.
naomi cruz
westport ct.
2007-02-27 20:57:31
Herr Steinbach will always remain in our home , in our hearts. I have been collecting his nutcrackers ..my treasures for 25 years with great joy , and even more joy to have been part of his legacy... God bless.
Karen Bloom
Higley, AZ
2007-02-27 20:57:30
We will remember him fondly every time we look at our beautiful collection. Our hearts are with his family.
HARRY BROTZMAN JR
PENNSILVANIA USA
2007-02-27 20:18:24
Our deepest condolences to the loyal/royal family of the Nutcracker King. My son Randall and I, Harry Brotzman Jr. are collectors of German nutcrackers and will forever hold dear in our memories the LEGACY STEINBACH has brought to the Royal World of Nutcrackers, Globally...GROSS GOTT..!
Avalon Erickson
Tualatin, OR
2007-02-27 19:59:34
I VALUE EVERY NUTCRACKER I HAVE IN MY COLLECTION...ESPECIALLY THE ONES HE SIGNED PERSONALLY. "HE" IS THE MEANING OF THE TRUE NUTCRACKER KING. THANK YOU HERR STEINBACH AND GOD SPEED.
Danny Lee
Sacramento
2007-02-27 17:17:36
I had the great opportunity to meet Herr Steinbach. He was friendly and had a great smile. He will be missed. My condolence go to his family and the Steinbach factory.
Aaron Recksiek
Lititz, PA
2007-02-27 15:03:51
What a great legacy. We will miss his smile and his joyful demeanor. We feel blessed to have known Herr Steinbach. We also feel blessed to know that his influence has passed on the wonderful art to his daughter Karla Steinbach. His family business is in good hands.