Stecklein, Ken 'Kenny'

Ken “Kenny” Stecklein, 74, of Tallahassee, Fla., formerly of Dubuque, died Saturday, July 21, 2012, at the home of his son, T.J., in rural Aurora, Iowa, where Ken's family cared for him during his courageous battle with cancer. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Dubuque, with the Rev. Steve Rosonke and the Rev. Harry Koelker officiating. Memorial Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Siegert-Casper Colonial Funeral Home, 390 N. Grandview Ave., Dubuque, where a Scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Inurnment: Mount Calvary Columbarium, Dubuque. The family is being assisted by Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein, and Siegert-Casper Colonial Funeral Home, Dubuque.

Kenneth Henry Stecklein was born Aug. 1, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Harold J. and Eleanor (Wagner) Stecklein. He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque. Ken married Patricia Link and six children were born to this union. They later divorced.

Ken owned and operated Ken's 76 Service Station for over 20 years in Dubuque. He later went to work as a truck driver/mechanic for the Dubuque Community School District. He retired in 1998 and moved to Tallahassee, Fla. Ken was married to Debra (Furnas) Barnard on Sept. 28, 1996, at Cancun, Mexico.

Ken was a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Tallahassee, Fla., the Dubuque Men's Association and the Dubuque Boat Club. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed the Green Bay Packers. Ken enjoyed spending time at the Panama City Beach, boating on the Mississippi and watching his grandchildren in all of their activities.

He was a loyal friend, a hard worker and an extremely generous person.

Ken will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ken is survived by his wife, Debra Stecklein of Tallahassee, Fla.; children: Kerry Stecklein-Welch (Tim Dickens) of Dubuque, T.J. (Christi) Stecklein of Aurora, Tim (Lynnette) Stecklein of Walford, Todd (Dianne) Stecklein of Peosta, Tye (Aimee) Stecklein of Dubuque, Greg Barnard of Orlando, Fla., and Jill (Tim) Vavricek of Huxley; 19 grandchildren: Chelsea and Brandon Welch, Zach, Shawn, Derek, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Amanda, Haley, Megan, Andrew, Alaina, Mollie and Mitchell Stecklein, Samantha Wagner, Anna, Graham, Clara and Kate Vavricek; brother, Richard (Barbara) Stecklein of Dubuque; sister-in-law, Janet Stecklein of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a beloved daughter, Kelly Stecklein; brother, Jerry Stecklein; and a nephew, Rhett Stecklein.

Ken's family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Anthony Leo for all of his care and support.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online obituary: www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Published July 22, 2012 in The Gazette