Andreas and Siegrun Leistikow

Those Leistiko "cousins" currently living in America owe many thanks to Andreas and Siegrun, for providing a glimpse into the lives of the Leistikow relations who did not emmigrate to America prior to World War II. Clearly, many millions of other families experienced similar displacements and tragedies as a result of the war. As Siegrun puts it, "the effects of a single madman".

Andreas Georg Gottfried Leistikow son of Otto and Charlotte Leistikow was born in 1938, in the village of Labenz, County (Kreis) Dramburg, in the country Pomerania that is now part of Poland.

Siegrun Charlotte Maidorn, daughter of Gotthard and Charlotte Maidorn was born in 1940 in Kauder, County Jauer, located in Schlesien that is now part of Poland.

Andreas married Siegrun in 1962, and they had seven children.

Andreas and Siegrun Leistikow at St. Martins Church on the occasion of the silver anniversary of their daughter and her husband . The young man holding the candle is their grandson, and those holding flowers are members of the church choir, of which their daughter is a member.

Andreas playing his 'cymbal'.

Andreas and some of his handmade instruments which he builds and sells

Andreas went through some hard times as a child. Witnessed horrid, evil things. Somehow, he seems to have come through it undamaged. His songs and poems reflect a kind, gentle soul. He has documented these childhood years in My Life as a Child. He has also documented other memories and family stories.

Siegrun also experienced difficult and traumatic times as a child during World War II and in the following years. She was reluctant to document these years, as many of her memories were quite painful. However, in the end, she decided there would be value to future generations if what she and her family experienced was also documented, which she has done in My Life 1940-2014.

Andreas and Siegrun met in 1960 in Nottuln, Germany, the town to which both their families were relocated after World War II, and in which they currently reside. At that time, Siegrun was working as a medical assistant, and Andreas was finishing a stint in the German Army. Andreas later worked in agriculture, and then worked for many years as an employee of the post office. In retirement, Andreas participates in periodic gatherings of people who were also expelled from the Labenz area after the war. He is also an active researcher regarding his family history.

Andreas has always been passionate about music. In addition to building the 'cymbol' instruments, he writes songs and lyrics.You can view some music videos recorded by Andreas here.

Andreas is also an inventor. Most recently he has invented a wind generator using a 'loopwing' rotor of his own design. In addition to having a higher efficiency than a straight blade rotor, it takes up less space and the rotors are less dangerous.

3-blade and 4-blade versions of the Windrad

Close-ups of the front and back of the 3-blade version

In the summer of 2018, Andreas, returned to Labenz with some of his family members. That trip is documented by Andreas here.

First published September 26, 2014. Last revised December 27, 2015.If you have comments, corrections or additional information or pictures you would like to contribute, feel free to contact Dave Nims.