Robert "Bob" Steckel

We will attempt to live stream both the prayer service and memorial service on the Will Funeral Chapel Facebook page.

Robert "Bob" Steckel, a devoted husband, father, community servant, and lifelong farmer, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Letcher. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. A prayer service and time of sharing will conclude the visitation at 6:30 p.m. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Letcher Community Church in Letcher.

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Robert "Bob" Steckel, son of Albert and Ruth (Weatherly) Steckel was born July 18, 1950, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Bob's life was rooted deeply in the land he loved-land first homesteaded by his great-grandmother, Rosa Steckel. Growing up on the family farm shaped Bob's hands, his heart, and his values, nurturing in him a work ethic and generosity that defined his entire life.

After graduating from Mitchell Tech with an Associate's Degree in Mechanics, Bob brought his talents back home, where he continued farming and began building a life of steady dedication and service. On May 25, 1979, he married the love of his life, Rita Boeding, in Mitchell. Together they raised four children-James, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Timothy.

Bob was a pillar of the Letcher community. He gave selflessly of his time and abilities, serving on the Butler Cemetery Board, Butler Township Board, the Letcher Fire Department, within the Letcher Community Church, and many others through the years. Whether he was answering a call for help, lending a hand to a neighbor, or pitching in at a community event, Bob's presence was a constant source of reliability and kindness. For over 20 years, Bob worked at the Forestburg Grain Elevator, retiring in 2016.

Outside of work and community commitments, Bob found joy in the simple, beautiful things: vacationing in the Black Hills, fishing, hunting, camping, and-above all-spending time with family. Bob also had a soft spot for animals and delighted in the companionship of his pets. For 27 years, he lovingly donned the role of Santa for many in Letcher area, delivering holiday cheer with a twinkle in his eye.

Bob Steckel's life was one of humility, service, and love. His legacy-rooted in faith, family, and farmland-will continue to grow in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Rita of Letcher; children, James (April) Steckel of Herrick, Rebecca (Nick) Weisbeck of Duluth, MN, Elizabeth Steckel of Orange County, CA, and Timothy (Sara) Steckel of Letcher; grandchildren, Johnny and Carson Weisbeck and Harrison and Parvati Steckel; sister, Patricia Nowak of Sioux Falls; special nephews, Craig (Gwen) Nowak of Great Falls, MT and Doug Nowak of Sioux Falls; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ruth; infant sister at birth, Kathleen; infant granddaughter at birth, Sienna Weisbeck; brother-in-law, Delmar Nowak; and niece-in-law, Debi Nowak.