Stephan Hardy Haeckel

Stephan Hardy Haeckel of Edmonds, WA passed away of natural causes at 89 on November 1, 2025. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father.

Steve was born on May 22, 1936 in St, Louis, Missouri to Lester and Helen Haeckel. He attended Clayton high school and was voted "Clayton High School's Immortal Funny Man" his senior year. After high school he explored his passion for acting, culminating in landing the lead role of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls.

He graduated from Washington University, and earned a Masters degree in engineering before embarking on a long and successful career with IBM. Steve held many titles while at IBM, the most recent of which was Director of Advanced Market Development. It was in this role that he wrote the book, Adaptive Enterprise: Creating and Leading Sense and Respond Organizations, in which he laid out a paradigm-shifting managerial framework for large organizations. After retiring from IBM, he started a successful consulting business based on his book and other writings.

Steve had a passion for intellectual growth and stimulating conversations. He read voraciously and spent time with friends at their regular "Stammtisch" luncheons discussing topics ranging from theology and cosmology to current events. Steve's interests also included spending time on the beach at Longboat Key surrounded by family and friends, playing tennis, crossword puzzles, and making people laugh.

Steve is survived by his son Mark Haeckel and daughter Andrea Michelle Haeckel, along with his younger brother Rick Haeckel and sister-in-law, Rose Haeckel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula.

A funeral service will be held on December 17 at 10:30 at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds. A Celebration of Life will be held at a time to be determined.