Leo Anthony Steck

On January 18, 2026, at the end of a long and happy life, Leo Anthony Steck returned to the Lord.

Leo was born on April 7, 1930, in St. Martins, Missouri, the son of Peter William Steck, Paxico, KS and Hilda (Ihler) Steck, Lohman, MO.

Leo graduated from St. Peters High School in 1948, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy later that year. He received an honorable discharge from active duty on August 11, 1949, and transferred to U.S. Naval Reserves until his final discharge.

Leo was united in marriage to Betty Jean Ott on April 7, 1951. Together they raised a family of 6 children, operated a small family farm, owned and managed several rental properties, and were very active in their catholic faith as members of St. Peters Catholic Church. After military service, Leo began employment with the State of Missouri, Division of Employment Security, as a clerk in their mail room. He was promoted several times throughout his 40-year career, culminating in his retirement in 1989.

Leo loved to travel, camp, play horseshoes, play cards, and just about anything that involved good food, spending time with family and friends. Together Leo and Betty visited all 50 states and several countries. Leo was deeply devoted to Mary, blessed Virgin Mother of Jesus, and made several trips to the sites of her apparitions, including Medjugorje, Fatima, Lourdes and Betania. On many of those trips he was accompanied by his children and grandchildren. Leo was a passionate pro-life advocate and was active with the 40-Days for Life organization and the Vitae Foundation.

Leo is survived by his wife, Betty, three sons, Michael (Mary) Steck, Daniel (Rosie) Steck, Harold (Cheryl) Steck; two daughters, Lois (Kenny) Schulte, Linda (Kevin) Welch; a daughter-in-law, Irasema Steck; 11 grandchildren, Matt (Erin), Mark (Lisa), Travis (Gesse), Kevin, Jesse (Melissa), Jason (Elizabeth) Angela (Mike), Kyle (Mary), Shelby (Amos), Jacob (Mychael), Rachel; and 20 great grandchildren.

Leo was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Mary, Agnes, Dorothy, Mickey, Margaret, Albert and Vince; his son Timothy, and his grandson, Michael Stotler.

Leo was a great gift to his family and friends. He was strong and steadfast in his faith, loved the Lord and was a guiding light to all in his life. His sweet smile and gentle nature will always be remembered by those who knew him.

Visitation will be 4:30 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City with a rosary service at 4:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church with the Rev. Nicholas J. Reid officiating.

Burial with military honors will be in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Vitae (Pro-Life), Pregnancy Help Center or St. Martin Catholic Church

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com