May you both rest in peace. We Love You
A Unique Shopping Experience Since 1985
German Glas Werks born in 1985 when Larry Lenschmidt and Paul Younker moved to Manteca, Ca from San Fransisco, Ca and decided to create a store unlike any the town had seen. With Larry's talent and expertise in the stained glass craft and Paul's excellent business sense the store quickly turned into a one of a kind shopping experience. After closing our physical location and switching to online we still continue to offer handcrafted stained glass and many other treasures for that perfect unique gift.
KERI PINNATORE
I grew up in Ripon, Ca and moved to Santa Cruz, Ca after high school. It was there I learned the art of sand carving glass. Years later in 2000 I moved back to Manteca, Ca and needed a job. After walking into German Glas Werks it was obvious to me that was where I was supposed to be. The first day Paul said they were not hiring, but I would persist! After going in everyday for a week Larry finally told Paul, "Just give her a chance" and Paul grumbled, okay we'll see you tomorrow morning. After that we soon became family, and I also made many meaningful connections with our customers. To this day many of them still consider the shop the first place to go for a gift or custom order. Paul taught me everything I needed to know on the business end, and I was lucky enough that Larry took me under his wing and showed me how to create stained glass. After Larry passed away in 2015, I took over as proud owner of the shop. It was very important that I maintained the quality of merchandise and customer service. In 2024 we decided to close the brick-and-mortar location and switch to online. I hope to continue to serve the community and beyond with a place to find a quality item that can be totally unique and just what they were looking for!
TONY PINNATORE
I grew up in the Excelsior District of San Francisco, Ca, the third generation of my family to reside there. Being Italian, of course we were Catholic. After spending many Sundays at the Church of the Epiphany and looking at the beautiful stained-glass windows I often wondered how they were made, little did I know, someday I would learn the art! After moving to Manteca, Ca I met Keri in 2009, and we quickly became inseparable. We were married soon after and Larry also took me under his wing, and the first thing he taught me was how to make a Seagull, which is my favorite bird. I love anything nautical, and you can bet that if it's a sailboat or anything ocean related, I made it. Always up for a challenge, from sailboat nightlights to a lamp with the Golden Gate...I will make sure you are not disappointed!
WAYNE CLEMENCE
After retiring from my lifelong career in 2007, I was driving by German Glas Werks on my way home. I thought to myself that I always wanted to learn how to do that, so after making a U-turn, I walked in. I was greeted by Paul and referred to Larry who had a design center down the street at the time. I signed up for a class and the rest is history. During the class we became close friends, and he taught me all the tricks of the trade. After my class I never left and continued to create stained glass for the shop. After Larry passed, Keri and Tony refused to let me leave. We have become a family of sorts, and I would have it no other way.
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
