MICHAEL J. STESKAL

1956 - 2022

Michael J. Steskal, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2022, in Melbourne, FL. Born October 7, 1956, in Oak Park, IL, to Lawrence and Caroline (nee Hickey) Steskal, Mike was a treasured brother to Joe (Vicky) Steskal, Linda (Kevin) Brooks, Laura (Jim) Ciontea, Mary (Dan Lobbes) Steskal, and Barb (Marty) Gfesser; as well as a giving uncle to Brian Brooks, Lauren Cunnane, Diana Ciontea, Monica Ciontea, Grant Steskal, Ben Steskal, and Gretta Gfesser. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and late mother. After graduating from St. Viator High School, Mike joined the Air Force in 1977. He spent the majority of his Air Force career in AFTAC (Air Force Technical Applications Center) as a scientific measurements technician based out of Patrick Space Force Base in Florida. His position involved travel around the world. He also served as the Air Force Principal Investigator for several NASA associated AFTAC projects, including in-cabin experiments on Space Shuttle flights. In 1991, his remote technical services directly supported the Warfighters' missions during the first Gulf War. Upon leaving the Air Force at the end of 1991 as a Technical Sergeant, he continued to specialize in software quality, operations, and maintenance for a variety of companies engaged in government contract work including nine years with Raytheon and twelve years with Zeta Associates Inc. From 1991 until his retirement in 2016, Mike completed three Associate Degrees at Brevard Community College and was pursuing a BS in Business and Management at the University of Maryland. Mike was a life-long learner and an avid reader. During this time, Mike also spent four years in the Navy Reserves with the rank of a First Class Petty Officer. In addition, upon settling back in Melbourne, FL, he joined the AFTAC Alumni Association and became a board member in charge of Membership. Mike cherished these shared memories and the fellowship it provided. Most of all, he was proud to serve his country. In lieu of a traditional wake, family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial visitation on Sunday, July 24, 2022, from 1:00 - 6:00 pm at the Rob Roy Clubhouse, 270 Country Club Lane, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 10 am at St. Hubert's Church, 729 Grand Canyon St., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. Interment of his cremains will immediately follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL 60067.