Alvin "Dick" Steckley

Alvin "Dick" Steckley was born on December 8, 1943, to Philip R. and Myrtle (Scribner) Steckley at the Anna Bury Hospital in Geddes, SD. Dick attended Geddes Public School, graduating in 1961. He worked at home until he entered the Army on January 2, 1963. He was a military policeman stationed in Orleans, France. While in the service, he attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. He was an "expert marksman" with a .30 cal. carbine and .45 cal. pistol. He was honorably discharged on October 5, 1964. After being discharged from the Army, he went back home to work on his dad's farm until 1965.

On May 15, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Angela Slaba. They lived on a farm southwest of Geddes where they raised a few pigs, a few cows, and a few kids! Denise, the oldest daughter, was born in August 1966. Jane was born in October 1967. James (Jim), the only son, was born in January 1969, and Sally was born in September 1970. All the girls worked in Platte at Boom's Drive-In during their high school years. In 1978, when Jim was nine years old, he started working in the field with a 986 IH tractor. It was all a family effort.

In 1980, Dick started selling a few Limousin bulls. In 1986, he started selling DeKalb seed. He refurbished a chicken coop and the garage for the seed. Angie was always there to haul seed, run errands, do chores, etc. In 1999, Dick and Angie built a building west of Geddes to house the seed. They expanded the building in 2007, and added bulk bins for more storage and a seed-treating system in 2010. Angie was by Dick's side every day, doing invoices, delivering seed, keeping books on the computer, cleaning, and keeping him in line. Angie's motto was, "It always goes better when we both go."

In 2015, Dick and Angie moved their home from the farm to a seven acre plot south of Geddes. After 33 years of selling seed, they decided it was time to retire and sold their seed business in 2019. 2021 was their last year of farming, which made 56 years in the farming business for Dick and Angie. In retirement, Dick enjoyed fishing and watching politics, westerns, and old shows from the 70s, 80s, and 90s on TV. He enjoyed visiting with his four kids, thirteen grandkids, six great-grandkids; and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of five new great-grand babies in early 2026. His family was his pride and joy. Lastly, Dick cherished Angie, his loving girlfriend, partner, and wife of 60 years.

Dick passed away at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on November 11, 2025 at the age of 81 years.

Dick is survived by his wife Angie; daughter Denise (Bill) Warneke of Bennington, NE, and children Aaron (Jennifer), Blake, Paige, and Elise; daughter Jane (Daniel) Swenson of Woonsocket, SD, and children Sydney, Schyler (Lacey), Savannah (Cohl), and Shay; only son Jim (Janie) of Hartford, SD, and children Jennie (Jake), Jason (Kaylee), and JT; and daughter Sally (Tom) Polak of Sioux Falls, SD, and children Holly (Ryan) and Morgan (Matthew). Dick's great-grandkids are Clara, Adalyn, Kinleigh, Isla, Arlo, and Evelynn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Philip E. Steckley; and brother-in-law Ernie Kocer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to www.stjude.org.

Mass of Christian Burial for Alvin "Dick" Steckley, 81, Geddes, SD was held on Tuesday November 18, 2025 at 10:30 AM St Ann Catholic Church in Geddes, SD, with Father Tom Clement as Celebrant.

Eucharistic Minister was Tom Polak.

Altar Servers were Oakley DuFrain and Luke Petrik.

Lectors were Morgan Dunn and Tom Polak.

Music was provided by Wanda Steckley, organist.

Opening "On Eagles Wings"

Preparation of Gifts "Amazing Grace"

Communion "Here I Am Lord"

"Song of Farewell"

Closing "Be Not Afraid"

Marlyn Krietlow, Julie Pavel, Sandy DuFrain, and Susan Hoffman were in charge of registration.

Casket Bearers were Jason Steckley, JT Steckley, Aaron Warneke, Blake Warneke, Schyler Swenson, and Shay Swenson,

Honorary Casket Bearers were Janice Schuman PA-C, Michael Wojciechowski, Dave Meyerink, Jarod Meyerink, Keith Mushitz, Derrick Scott, Ken VanEssen, Mark Valenscin, Galen Vander Pol, Loren Porter, David Slaba, Eugene Slaba, and in memory Raymond Mushitz, Ernie Kocer, and John "Sonny" Stluka.

Military honors by the Geddes American Legion and the National Honors Team.

Interment was a private family burial in St. Ann Catholic Cemetery, Geddes, SD.