Kathryn L. Steckel, age 81, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at Aspirus Hospital, Wausau. She was surrounded by her family. Kathy was born on July 11, 1938, daughter of the late Elmer and Julia (Haveri) Anderson in Hibbing, Minnesota. She married Richard (Rick) Steckel on July 16, 1960 at the Sand Lake Chapel in Britt, Minnesota. She graduated from Buhl High School, in Buhl Minnesota and later earned a B. S. degree in Home Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She began her teaching career at Bruce High School in Bruce, Wisconsin. After taking time to raise her family, she returned to teaching in the Merrill School District, where she taught at the High School and Junior High. She made lifelong friends and touched the lives of many students during her teaching career. She retired in 1998. Kathy felt fortunate to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed sharing holiday traditions and special meals with her family. She loved travelling to Blue Jay football games to support her grandson. Kathy was a member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Volunteers, where she served as co-president for many years. Kathy was a longtime member of the Laureate Rho Sorority and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Rick Steckel; one daughter, Karen (Breck) Buntrock; one grandson, Isaac (Lexi) Buntrock, all of Merrill; and her sister, Susan (Don) Roufs of Apple Valley, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Donna (Richard) Joppa, Omaha, NE; and her brother James Anderson, Britt, MN.
A memorial service for Kathy will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Patricia Schutz will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Thursday, at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com