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Captain William (Bill) Sauvage Streckfus
1933 - 2021
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Captain William (Bill) Streckfus Obituary
Captain William “Bill” Streckfus, born and raised in New Orleans, LA, the youngest of seven children, is the son of Captain and Mrs. Roy Michael Streckfus and grandson of “The Commodore”, Captain John Streckfus, who founded the Streckfus Steamboat line in 1884. Young Bill began working on the family’s excursion boats at the age of five, after the death of his mother, and continued serving the family business in a variety of positions as he worked through his elementary and secondary education.
Capt. Bill is a veteran of the Korean War and a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Upon graduating from college, Capt. Bill began working as full time Master of the Steamer President, operating daytime and evening excursions through the New Orleans harbor area.
In 1960, Capt. Bill was transferred to St. Louis, MO, where he served as Master of the Steamer Admiral, the world’s largest excursion vessel and the Company’s flagship. Like the Steamer President in New Orleans, the Admiral was one of St. Louis’ major attractions, offering both day trips and moonlight excursions with headline entertainers.
Capt. Bill’s management role continued to increase in the St. Louis Headquarters, leading to positions as Vice President and ultimately President of Streckfus Steamers Corporation. Under his leadership and supervision, Streckfus Steamers constructed several new T-Class excursion vessels; M/V Mark Twain, M/V Huck Finn, M/V Tom Sawyer and M/V Samuel Clemens.
By the time Capt. Bill left the Corporation in 1979, the Streckfus fleet had grown once again to seven vessels and operated in the three distinct markets of New Orleans, St. Louis and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, FL.
Capt. Bill spent the next 13 years of his career overseeing the complete multi-million dollar renovation and successful operation of the National Museum of Transportation, located in St. Louis County.
The rise of riverboat gaming offered Capt. Bill an opportunity to return once again to the Mississippi River and passenger vessel operations aboard the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, IL. In 1992, Capt. Bill supervised the final stages of construction, sea trials, Coast Guard Inspections, and delivery of this unique tug/passenger barge unit. He served as Director of Marine Operations for the gaming company until his retirement in 2001. The Captain came out of retirement for some exciting guest appearances as Master on board the Delta Queen during the summer season of 2005.
Capt. Bill was married to Betty Batt Streckfus for 62 years and is survived by her and their three children and four grandchildren: Capt. William Sauvage Streckfus, Jr. & Anne Marie Streckfus with Lindsey & Ryan Streckfus of Orange County, CA. Capt. Lisa Streckfus & Laurie Reese of Southwest Ranches, FL and Sharon Streckfus Lazzaro & Mike Lazzaro with Shannon O’Toole & Kevin O’Toole of Chesterfield, MO.
Services: Memorial Gathering will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011 on Tuesday, July 20st from 3:00 - 7:00pm. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Captain William (Bill) Streckfus
Mary Glynn
July 10, 2025
Aunt Betty, You and your sweet family are in our thoughts and prayers. We sure miss Uncle Bill. Take good care.
Love, Mary Lynn
Robert McNabb
October 19, 2021
Captain Bill was always friendly to my mother, Marie McNabb, who worked in the souvenir stand on the dance floor, 2ND deck. Mom worked from the early 40's to into the 70's. My sisters Margie Beckerle, Marie(Dickie) Wittenberg, June Dahlin, Audrey Seipp, brother Paul McNabb and me. Bob. worked the boat for many years. My late brother-in-law Jack Beckerle is pictured on the souvenir booklet in the Crows Nest. My late wife, Nicki. met Captain Bill at a speed reading class we attended in Belleville and we had a great evening tailing about The BOAT. The Streckfus family was a special group considered family by my mother Bill-the other Bill, Bud(my boss) and Shirley especially. GOD BLESS.
Arthur L Smith & Smith
July 27, 2021
Aunt Betty and my Streckfus cousins. I always appreciated my Uncle Bill, Captain Bill, Master of the Admiral and many other Streckfus Steamer vessels. His accomplishments on the Mississippi are many and his impact lasting. I hope to pay him tribute in a book I have underway. Arthur L. Smith (Lily's son.)
Captain Mike Williams
July 22, 2021
Captain Bill I knew you well, thanks for your patience and guidance
Captain Mike Master Steamer Delta Queen Williams
July 22, 2021
I knew him well during those crazy days of the 70s and 80s , he was always kind to me and those days are safely buried in my heart... I had the opportunity of knowing his son and daughter in their youth, and was blessed to have worked with his daughter Lisa onboard the Steamer Delta Queen. Those were the days!
Shaun Karleskint
July 21, 2021
Dear Streckfus Family,
My sincere condolences. I have fond memories of Capt. Streckfus. I remember when out families would get together (along with the large group of friends) and a summer trip to the lake.
May your memories comfort you.
Sincerely,
Shaun O'Neal Karleskint
(Sam and Cheryl O'Neal's daughter)
Claire Muckenfuss Gray
July 21, 2021
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories from when I worked in the "main Streckfus office". Captain Bill was a Great Boss who watched out for everyone, helped you and instilled confidence. Betty Ann, you and Captain Bill even entrusted my husband and I with your home and children the year the Admiral went to New Orleans for dry dock. The Streckfus lines have always been in my blood (as it were) since my mother Esther worked on the JS, the Capitol, the President and the Admiral in the 30s; then again on the Admiral in the 60s as purser, my sister Gail worked in the office 1965 to 1969 and then I worked in the main office 1971 to 1979.
Hold onto your memories, they will help see you through.
Mike Marty
July 20, 2021
Capt. Bill was " larger than life " to me. I was fortunate to know him and have very vivid memories of him. If I could say anything to him it would be " Thank you for guiding me through a tough period in my life and it was an honor and a pleasure to have you as my Captain "
Hollis Taylor Jr.
July 20, 2021
We are sorry for your loss. I remember as a kid, taking the trip down the Mississippi River on the Admiral. I enjoyed the pinball machines in the arcade. I will never forget the call on the PA for all kids to the ballroom. We would form a big circle and sing the Hokey Pokey Song. I´m 69 years old now. Thanks for the memories.
Jim Saufnauer
July 20, 2021
I was deeply moved by the powerful faith in God that Mr. Streckfus exhibited while I was privileged to offer him the body of Christ as a lay Eucheristic minister at St. Luke's hospital. May he rest in peace!
Paul Wehrle
July 20, 2021
Bill(y) sorry for your loss of the great captain of the Admiral. I have great memories from my childhood of that ride on the big muddy. If you remember I worked with you at Wash U.
Tom Hennings
July 19, 2021
Betty, I am sorry for your loss. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the Captain Bill Streckfus' memorial ceremony. Captain Bill was my mentor while I working for Streckfus Steamers. He provided me with many of the leadership skill I used throughout my working career. RIP, Capt. Bill.
Davis Egle
July 19, 2021
Dear Betty Ann:
Judy and I send our condolences on the passing of Bill. We hope that the love of your family and friends will console you in this period of grief.
With Love, Judy and Davis Egle, Norman, Oklahoma
Capt. Harold Ellebracht
July 19, 2021
Capt. Bill, you are one of a kind and a legend. Under your watchful eye and tutelage , I went from a Deckhand on the Sam Clemens all the way to Master of the Admiral. I would not have had the opportunities and career if it were not for you. It has been an honor working with you and God Bless you and your family.
Mary Ellen McGrath
July 19, 2021
Streckfus Steamers also provided my first real job, and I will always be grateful to Capts Bill Streckfus and Bill Carroll, Miss Shirley, and many others for early life lessons. We worked hard, but in a fun atmosphere, and with a surprising level of responsibility for young people. It was eye opening for me to read of Capt Bill's additional contributions to the St. Louis scene later in his career. To those who knew and loved him best, my deepest sympathy.
Mary Lynn Streckfus Glynn
July 19, 2021
Dear Aunt Betty, Lisa and Sharon,
I am so sorry that I won't be able to be with you for Uncle Bill's memorial service. I want to thank you all so much for your sweet phone calls. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I am so glad that Uncle Bill passed quietly and in peace. You all are in my prayers and especially in my constant thoughts. I love you all so much. Mary Lynn
Debbie McGrath
July 19, 2021
Sending condolences to the entire Streckfus family. Capt. Bill was an imposing figure to a 16 year old girl working her first job on the Samuel Clemens. Seeing him ride his scooter down the levy to check on the 'small boats' sent us all into overdrive. That said, he ran a successful company and kept many St. Louisans employed for several years. Having just visited the Museum of Transportation with my grandchildren, I'm thankful he spearheaded such a valuable treasure for our community. RIP
Shelly Scott
July 18, 2021
Bill was a fellow "New Orleanian" we had many great conversations about our experiences there. May you find peace and strength during this difficult time.
William Carroll
July 18, 2021
God Bless Captain. I remember the day you sent me down to the "little" boats to get my operators license. I really wanted to stay on the Admiral in the engine room and work on getting 3rd Engineers. I always liked working with you. Billy Carroll
Kerry Snowden
July 18, 2021
RIP Captain Bill you will be missed
Paul Dittman
July 18, 2021
Rest In Peace Captain Bill. You taught me much as young U.S. Coast Guard inspector in St. Louis back in early 1990s. Your sage counsel was always appreciated.
God Bless you and your family.
CAPT Paul E. Dittman, USCG (Ret.)
Susan Antalick Sander Honich
July 18, 2021
I worked under Captain Bill Streckfus and Captain Bill Carroll as Purser of the SS Admiral for six years. When the wife of Captain John Streckfus, Miss Shirley, passed away all too quickly, they asked me to replace her as Purser. Although I was just a Junior in Highschool. they said Miss Shirley had trained me well. They treated me with such respect and gave me so much responsibility. Those six years were wonderful even with long days and nights and six days a week running excursions. I have always wished for a replacement vessel similar to the Admiral as the excursions, be they day or evening, offered guests such wonderful memories. The smaller hour excursions that have continued instead are nice but no comparison. I thank God for the wonderful experiences and people I worked with from age 16 -22.
Anthony Fassler
July 17, 2021
I knew Captain Bill when I worked at the museum, man what good times we had working there, all good memories!! I will miss my old friend, Rest In Peace Capt.
Robert Williams
July 17, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011