Edward M. ‘Eddie’ Steckler, 89, Dickinson, went quietly to his peaceful new life on Sunday, November 20, 2011 encircled by his daughter, a priest and staff at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Eddie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 26, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Military honors will follow the Mass and be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m.
Edward “Eddie” M. Steckler, son of Martin J. and Rose (Miller) Steckler was born on March 4, 1922 in Dickinson. He attended St Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Dickinson High School. Eddie was then employed by Quality Food Store. In 1942 Eddie entered the Army and attended the Army Medical School at Brooke General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. He then served with the 121st Station Hospital in Braintree, England, and was discharged in 1945. Eddie was then employed with the Gamble-Skogmo Hardware Store and Bismarck Grocery Company, both firms in Dickinson. From 1952 to 1984 when he retired, he was employed as a meter reader with Montana-Dakota Utilities Company.
On September 30, 1946, Eddie married Doris M. Wilhelm of Halliday, who was a registered nurse for 47 years. She passed away on June 21, 1994. They had two daughters: Antoinette ‘Toni’ and Roberta ‘Bert’ Steckler, who passed away January 28, 2008.
Eddie was a Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (since 1943) and of the Elks Lodge and a Golden Age Life member of the Eagles Lodge. He was also a member of the American Legion and a long time member of the Dickinson Fire Department.
‘Mr. Ed’, as he enjoyed being called, was a life-long flag-flying patriot, with a weekly radio program on station KDIX from 1947-1997 which recognized others who proudly displayed the “red, white and blue” on their property. In addition, he shared interesting bits of history with his many early-morning listeners. He served in the VFW as Post Commander, District Commander and National Aide-de-Camp. He was the recipient of many awards and citations for his VFW activities. He never met a veteran he didn’t ask to join. Doris, Eddie and often too “the girls” attended innumerable District, State and National Conventions, gathering wonderful memories of people and events and the special “one red rose” corsage Eddie always presented to his three ladies to wear to the elegant banquets. A highlight one year was watching his favorite Yankees in action. He was an originator and active participant in the Christmas charity Kris Kringles Korporals. A live fundraiser drew crowds to the Stark County Courthouse Auditorium where Eddie and Doris took the stage with other VFW and Auxiliary members joining local radio personalities. Enthusiastic radio listeners called in their pledges, often requesting a favorite song from a willing Eddie. Many Dickinson area families were thrilled with Christmas meal fixings and toys as a result.
Ed kept in touch with many Army buddies and their families by mail, phone and reunions during which memories were shared and newly formed. He never went alone. Fortunately Doris, the girls and grandson Jared too accompanied him at times. He never forgot England and his English friends, some of whom even came “over here.” He loved wearing his “bowler” hat and sharing his “ta ta ever so ta” to bring a giggle or look of shock to someone’s face. The doctor he assisted had nothing but high praise for his work. He worked such long hours that he slept through a nearby bombing.
Ed was involved in fighting some the worst fires in Dickinson’s history-right down town in an Artic-like climate. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the volunteer organization. For many years the alarm would sound in the Steckler home (and many others) to summon help. A big benefit for volunteer families was the annual summer picnic at the Dickinson Water Treatment Plant. Kids even got to ring the bell on the big red fire engine!
The man with the meadowlark whistle will probably be best remembered for treating everyone–old and young–to Hardee’s mints and Tootsie Rolls and for the cards and letters that went to the Dickinson Post Office EVERY NIGHT. Once Eddie found out someone’s birthday or anniversary, a card went out annually until writing became too difficult. Special events, illness and sympathy were also acknowledged. Autographs were acquired, but not without a personal note with a reason for Eddie to have written. Eddie was never without his latest or favorite autograph letters in his inside jacket pocket, along with a picture or two of family and friends.
His lifetime of patriotic efforts and greeting card cheer was recognized in 1997 with the Pioneer Award from the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce. He was thrilled to join Doris, an earlier recipient for nursing, as a recipient of this special honor. He was also honored as Co-Grand Marshal of Dickinson’s Fourth of July Parade.
For nearly the last ten years Eddie made his home at St. Benedict’s Health Center, where he leaves behind many indelible memories for staff and patients. This ‘people person’ left the world a better place for his having been here.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, sister, wife, and daughter, Roberta. He is survived by his sister Pauline Stradinger, daughter Toni (Jerry) Anderson, Anoka, Minn., grandson Jared (Teresa), great-grandson Liam, St. Michael, Minn., step-grandchildren: Jeff (Sandy) Anderson, Cedar, Mich., Mike Anderson, Lyons, Colo., and Paula Anderson, Sherman Oaks, Calif., her son Jackson Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.
