Stephen G. "The Chief" Fleck

Stephen G. Fleck, "The Chief," 101 and a half years, went home to the Lord shortly after midnight on May 7, 2022. Chief took his final breaths surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff of Premier Estates in the place he called home. Steve was born "one frosty winter morn" on Nov. 16, 1920, to Michael Fleck, a German immigrant fleeing Nazi rule, and Mathilda Gerhardt in Timmer, North Dakota. Steve was the oldest first-born son, preceded in death by Anna, his older sister, who died in the 1919 flu epidemic. Even though Steve had six siblings, Steve was the apple of his mom's eye and the family lived on a farm near Solen, North Dakota. Times were very hard and the family survived by farming during the "Dirty Thirties" drought. Steve's dad, Michael, passed away on Sept. 21, 1937, but during one of Steve's hospital visits to his dad, he told Steve he felt sorry for him, knowing his son would be tasked with taking care of his mom and siblings. Steve cared for his family by farming, working in the beet fields, sacking potatoes and joining the Civilian Conservation Corp for six months. Steve graduated high school in 1939 in Solen. With the beginning of World War II, Steve, one of the "Greatest Generation," joined the Navy in 1943 as a radio operator being very proficient in Morse code and as a German interpreter to the prisoners. After Steve's discharge from the Navy in 1945, Steve moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Dennis. Steve and Ruth were married on Nov. 30, 1946. Steve got a job with the Federal Aviation Administration and often told the story about how the man doing the hiring was very moved by Steve's Catholic faith and asked him, "Where were you six months ago?" Steve and Ruth were transferred several times during his career and Ruth always wondered where she would put up next year's Christmas tree. Several years and six kids later, Steve and Ruth settled in North Platte in 1965 and made it their home for the rest of their lives. Steve loved his family, and he and Ruth followed them as they participated in various sports activities. Steve was a master accordion player and a family favorite was "You Are My Sunshine." He also enjoyed winning at the slot machines as he chauffeured Ruth on many gambling trips to Rosebud. Steve was a very humble man, and embraced and loved his Catholic faith, attending Saturday night mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church until he became housebound just a couple of years before his death. Steve prayed the rosary every day and as a young parent, gathered his family around the bed for a family rosary every night during Lent. Steve often wondered why God kept him around so longwe all knew he was left here to pray for his family. He was our "Saint" and our "Angel" on earth. Steve leaves behind a legacy of humility, love and the best Coffee in town. He was the coffee shop for both the 11:00 Boys Club and the evening sisters' Therapy Sessions. Sitting, listening, singing, dancing, offering advice, therapy, debate, love and birthday wishes! Walking Grandpa to lunch was an honor that will be missed by all! Steve and Ruth are now reunited serving Flecks Heavenly Special Brew in the Lord's Coffee Shop! Ich Liebe Dich, Machs Gut, Auf Wiedersehen! Love, take care, goodbye! Waiting for you to flicker your porch light, Dad, from Heaven's door! Steve is preceded in death by his wife Ruth; his parents, Michael and Mathilda Fleck; his brothers, Matt, Mike, Ted and Roger; his sisters, Anna and Mary; grandsons, Shane Toll, Jason Sedlacek and Ezra Sedlacek. Steve is survived by his two sons, Steven "Mick" (Sue) Fleck and Duane (Jody) Fleck; four daughters, Linda (Ray) Toll, Cindy (Tom) Huntsman, Marsha (Gene) Sedlacek and Madonna (Stacey) Madsen, all of North Platte, except Linda, who lives in Hoxie, Kansas; sister, Phyllis Eckroth of Bismarck, North Dakota; 21 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Fund. Christian Wake Service is 7 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, May 16, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with the Rev. Josh Brown as celebrant. There will be a reception following Mass in the hall. Burial follows at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Visitation is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.