Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Sep 27, 1933 – Jul 14, 2021 (Age 87)
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.
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Aunt Betty, You and your sweet family are in our thoughts and prayers. We sure miss Uncle Bill. Take good care.
Love, Mary Lynn
Mary Glynn
July 10, 2025 | Metairie, LA | Family
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...
Robert McNabb
October 19, 2021 | Mesa, AZ | Coworker
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.)
Arthur L Smith & Smith
July 27, 2021 | Houston, TX | Family
Captain Bill I knew you well, thanks for your patience and guidance
Captain Mike Williams
July 22, 2021 | St Louis, MO | Friend
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!
Captain Mike Master Steamer Delta Queen Williams
July 22, 2021 | St Louis, MO | Coworker
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)
Shaun Karleskint
July 21, 2021 | Ballwin, MO
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...
Claire Muckenfuss Gray
July 21, 2021 | Work
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 "
Mike Marty
July 20, 2021 | Belleville, IL | Coworker
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.
Hollis Taylor Jr.
July 20, 2021
