1942
2012
11030 West Forest Home Ave
Hales Corners, Wisconsin
Steckhan, Roger A.
Formerly of Hales Corners, passed away peacefully at his northern WI home, surrounded by family, Friday, December 21, 2012, at age 70. He fought a courageous battle against mesothelioma. Loving son of Roger E. and Dores (Nee Ircink). Dear Husband of 27 years to Mary Ann (Nee Dantinne). Beloved father of Rhonda (Wayne) Kasianowicz, Victor and Mark. Grandfather of Kyle. Further survived by proud sister Jean (Brad) Oswald; niece Justine; step-children Lori (Jim) Brinza, Richard (Dawn) Nelson and Geralynn (Ian) Nelson; and step-grandchildren Andrew, Elliott, Nicholas, Olivia and Nathan. Also survived by special friend Ron Domicka, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 27, 2012, at the FUNERAL HOME from 2:30PM until the time of Funeral Ceremony, 5:30PM. Interment private.
Roger was a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. He was a proud member of the 128th Air refueling wing for 37 years, VFW Post # 2687 and American Legion Post # 93. Roger also enjoyed restoring antique engines and old farm tractors.
He will be greatly missed
Schramka-Borgwardt Funeral Home
11030 W Forest Home Ave
Hales Corners, WI
414-425-6060
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Jean and Brad Oswald.
December 21, 2013
The Steckhan Family
May God Bless Roger on his One Year Anniversary with the Lord. Roger is deeply missed.
December 17, 2013
Awards Biography
One of the most significant events to occur during Roger's time as Chief was the Presidential Activation of the 128th Air Refueling Squadron for Operation Allied Force, the liberation of Kosovo.
December 17, 2013
Awards Biography
Chief Steckhan not only planned and organized the large deployment to RAF Brize Norton, but also volunteered to work as a Staff Planner for the duration of the mission.
December 16, 2013
Awards Biography
For flying missions into the war zone, Chief Steckhan was awarded the Air Medal.
December 16, 2013
Awards Biography
On January 1, 1997, Roger was promoted to the highest noncommissioned rank in the Force, Chief Master Sergeant.
December 16, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger became Chief of the Boom Section in December 1996.
December 15, 2013
Awards Biography
Extensive interviews with Roger's Guard Friends who remember the years from 1965 - 1969 revealed that Roger Steckhan continued to be known as "Chief Prop Wash Specialist."
December 15, 2013
Awards Biography
1945 Picture - Much later in life, Roger's leadership and management skills found him serving as a Staff Planner and Advisor on many deployments in his military career.
December 14, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger participated in many deployments dictated by the high operations tempo. These included tours in Germany, France, Italy, and Turkey for Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Forge, and Northern Watch.
December 14, 2013
Awards Biography
In 1994 Roger became the Chief Standards and Evaluations Boom Operator.
December 12, 2013
Awards Biography
In April 1994, Roger was promoted to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
December 12, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger served on several tours of duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in 1990-91.
December 10, 2013
Jean
Roger never failed to give Suni a cuddle before he ended his visit.
December 10, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Roger's love for dogs began early in life.
December 9, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
This photo is of Roger and his grandson - Kyle Steckhan.
December 9, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
This 1994 photo is of Roger and his niece - Justine Oswald.
December 9, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1996 - Roger and his grandson, Kyle Steckhan.
December 7, 2013
Mom
My son and his wife - Mary Ann Steckhan.
December 7, 2013
Mom
My son, daughter and husband - Roger, Jean and Ossie.
November 21, 2013
Mom, Dad & Jean
Roger with his cousin, Carol Schubring, in 1945.
November 21, 2013
Mom, Dad & Jean
Lifelong friends - Roger and his cousin, Carol Schubring Fait.
September 23, 2013
Mom & Jean
2009 - Back row left - Mark, Kyle and Victor Steckhan (Kyle is Vic's son). Front row - Roger and his dad, Roger E. Steckhan.
September 21, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Remembering Roger on his 9-month Anniversary with the Lord. God Bless You.
August 18, 2013
Bill & Betty Senft
In memory of our kind and true friend - Roger.
August 16, 2013
Awards Biography
In 1984 and 1985, Roger was selected as part of a crew to represent the unit at the SAC Bombing and Navigation Competitions.
August 16, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger became a Flight Evaluator.
August 16, 2013
Awards Biography
Master Sergeant Steckhan was selected to attend the Central Flight Instructor School at Carswell AFB, Texas. He quickly became one of the most knowledgeable and respected Instructor Booms in the unit.
August 16, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger was promoted to Master Sergeant on March 1, 1980.
August 16, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger became a leading figure in the development, organization, and execution of the unit's Southwind Deployments.
August 13, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
It is over 7 months since our Lord put his arms around Roger and whispered, "Come to Me."
We grieve everyday. Roger would be the first to tell us to stop grieving and to move on.
August 12, 2013
Jean
1982 - Roger created and operated RASCO (Roger A. Steckhan & Company), a wholesale business of industrial machinery and equipment.
August 12, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1982 - With his own company, Roger could now manage his time spent with his business and with his time devoted to the military.
August 11, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
2003 - Family and friends frequently commented that Mark resembled his dad.
August 11, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1995 - Mark Steckhan with his dear dad.
August 11, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In this photo Roger shares his love of nature with his two sons - Victor and Mark Steckhan.
August 11, 2013
Mom and Jean
1945 - Roger (Ozzie) E. Steckhan received letters of congratulations from President Roosevelt and President Truman for his dedicated military service. Ozzie will celebrate his 95th Birthday on September 7, 2013.
August 9, 2013
Mom & Jean
1945 - Roger's dad just returned home after serving two years in WWII. He was on the USS New Orleans Battleship.
August 9, 2013
Mom & Jean
2006 - Victor Steckhan spends quality time with his grandfather, Roger (Ozzie) E. Steckhan.
August 9, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Taken in 1990, the photo is of Roger and his loving son, Vic.
August 9, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
The photo is of Vic Steckhan and his dear dad.
August 8, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
This 1972 photo is of Roger and his dad.
August 8, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1970 - This photo is of Ozzie and Dores Steckhan. They sold the Pine View Motel in 1968 and moved to Fox Point, WI.
August 7, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1995 - This photo is of Rhonda Steckhan and her dear dad.
August 7, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
2002 - "Still Daddy's Girl" - Rhonda was always interested in her dad's hobbies and creativity.
August 2, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1972 - "Daddy's Girl" - Roger's love of nature was shared with his daughter, Rhonda.
August 2, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1973 - Memories of Roger with his family and Mom in the Wisconsin Dells.
August 1, 2013
Awards Biography
1980 - Sergeant Roger Steckhan was recognized for his excellence as a boom operator.
August 1, 2013
Awards Biography
Sergeant Steckhan was one of the first unit boomers to undergo conversion training to the KC-135 aircraft in January 1978. Following the conversion, Roger found himself even busier with the numerous deployments involved in the Strategic Air Command's worldwide commitment.
August 1, 2013
Awards Biography
Roger's dedication to his military career was shown in his quick progression through the Career Development Courses and Skill Levels. His efforts resulted in promotion to the rank of Technical Sergeant in April 1970.
August 1, 2013
Awards Biography
1969 - Roger took a position as an inflight-refueling specialist, better known as a boom operator. His first flight was in April 1969 and within 90 days he was fully checked out as a boomer. Roger became fully combat and mission ready on July 16, 1969.
July 9, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1945 Photo of Roger and Bob Gehrmann.
July 9, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1979 Photo of Roger and Bob Gehrmann.
July 9, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In loving memory of Robert (Bob) Gehrmann (1938 - 2010). Roger's cousin, Bob, died from pancreatic cancer.
July 9, 2013
Mom
In fond remembrance of Veronica Schubring (Nee Ircink) (1905 - 1978) and Paul Schubring (l907 - 1980). My dear sister, Veronica, died of esophageal cancer. Two years later, her husband, Paul, died of lung cancer.
July 8, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In loving memory of Alvin Sweeney (1943 - 1999). Roger's cousin, Alvin, passed away from heart disease.
July 8, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In loving memory of Allan Sweeney (1943 - 1993). Roger's cousin, Allan, passed away from heart disease.
July 8, 2013
Milwaukee Journal Photo
Remembering You - Alvin Sweeney was chosen "Master Milwaukee" at age two and a half. He seems to be feeling the weight of his responsibility. His twin, Allan, was the first runner-up.
July 8, 2013
Mom
Remembering You - This 1945 photo is of my twin sister, Dolores, her husband, Sylvester, and sons, Allan and Alvin.
July 8, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Gone But Not Forgotten - Sylvester Sweeney (1914 - 1977) and Dolores Sweeney (Nee Ircink - Twin of Roger's Mother) (1918 - 2003). Sylvester passed away from bone marrow cancer. Dolores died 26 years later from multiple causes related to osteoporosis and advanced age.
July 5, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In fond remembrance of Arthur G. Ircink (1908 - 1969) and Margaret Ircink (Nee Jaeger) (1914 - 2001). Art passed away from complications after having a stroke. Marge passed away 32 years later from heart disease.
July 1, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In loving memory of Arthur F. Steckhan (1889 - 1969). Arthur passed away from a heart attack four months after his beloved wife had died.
July 1, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Gone But Not Forgotten - Mae Steckhan (Nee Willms) (1890 - 1969)
Beloved Mae died from brain cancer. She passed away surrounded by her family. Mae's dear husband of 58 years died four months later.
June 30, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In loving memory of Verna Gehrmann (Nee Steckhan) (1914 - 1966) and Clarence Gehrmann (1911 - 1970). Verna died at home from a heart attack. A few years later, Clarence also died at home from a heart attack.
June 26, 2013
Dear Mary Ann,
My deepest sympathy to you. You & Roger were so wonderful to my Sister Marlene. She thought the world of you. I have never forgotten how understanding, caring and helpful the both of you were to her.
Sincerely,
Gloria (Marlenes Sister)
June 24, 2013
Jean
1966 - Roger and I did not leave Mom and Dad with a completely Empty Nest. When we left home, our Schnauzers, Sammy and Moxie, were left behind.
June 24, 2013
Mom & Dad
In 1966 Roger married Loretta Young and Jean moved to a dormitory at the UW-Madison. This photo is of Roger, Loretta in the center, and Jean.
June 24, 2013
Mom & Dad
1966 - The stage in life arrived where we had an Empty Nest.
June 24, 2013
Jean
If I could choose a sibling, I would choose no other - no finer man.
June 24, 2013
Jean
Although Roger and I grew old in the eyes of others around us, we knew one another as we always were. -1957 Photo - Roger, Uncle Art Ircink, Mom & Jean
June 24, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1966 - We saw that the time living together as a family of four was coming to an end.
June 24, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
We feel fortunate to have lived as a family for nearly one-third of Roger's life.
June 20, 2013
Jean
1965 - Roger and his elk hunting friends rented cabins next to the beautiful Meadowlark Lake, WY.
June 18, 2013
Jean
Roger's aim was accurate and precise. I watched him practice since he was in the 6th grade.
June 14, 2013
Jean
Wyoming Big Horn Mountains - Roger rode on horseback at an elevation of over 9,000 feet. He told me he was in absolute awe of the scenery.
June 13, 2013
Jean
In the fall of 1965, Roger went elk hunting near the Bighorn National Forest area in Wyoming.
June 13, 2013
Brad & Jean Oswald
This photo is of Roger at work on a Milwaukee job site. He was gaining experience and recognition in preparing to one day run his own company.
June 10, 2013
Awards Biography
By August 1965, Airman Steckhan had received three promotions in his military career. He was attending courses to become a Jet Engine Specialist. During this period Roger was being recognized for his brilliance and ability to get the job done.
June 10, 2013
Mom and Dad
1965 - We had asked Roger to take over and manage the Pine View Motel. He quickly refused. He was honored and dedicated to serve his country instead.
June 10, 2013
Mom and Dad
1965 - Loretta Young joined us at our Sunday dinners. Roger and Loretta spoke of marriage. Jean spoke of going to college. We knew we had to prepare for the "Empty Nest." With us it happened slowly so we were not jolted all at once.
June 10, 2013
Mom & Dad
This photo is of Dr. Donald Kramer and his daughter, Dr. Donale Lenhardt. Because Jean worked as Dr. Kramer's Dental Assistant (1962-65), we all became very dear friends. Roger drove Jean home from work if we were unable to provide transportation.
June 3, 2013
Jean
1965 - Roger, unintentionally, took command of a room when he entered. Therefore, I knew he would one day be his own boss and manage his own company by himself.
June 3, 2013
Jean
1964 - With having the same first associations and habits in life, I realized we were similar and loved many of the same things. We both loved to ride horses.
June 2, 2013
Jean
I believe a sister and a brother see each other in their most true and fundamental self. I knew how much Roger loved to be in Wyoming.
June 2, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1964 - In the fall, Roger and his friends went elk hunting in Wyoming for two weeks.
June 2, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
We soon learned that no matter how far Roger would travel, no matter how much time lapsed, he always remained devoted to his family.
June 2, 2013
Jean
1964 - Mom was glad and sad when Roger had been gone the longest time away from home. Dad and I saw the powerful and enduring love between a mother and her son. It was a place that Dad and I could not go.
May 31, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1964 - For the next two years, David Ircink is employed at Kilps & Sons Builders, Inc. He works on the construction of new homes and home remodeling.
May 31, 2013
Sweeney Family Photo
This photo is of Alvin Sweeney and Carolyn Schubring. Family get togethers were still frequent.
May 31, 2013
Mom & Dad
This photo is of Jean and her date. We missed Roger when he wasn't there to evaluate and critique who Jean was dating. Roger was concerned, protective and watched her curfew.
May 31, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
Upon completion of Basic, Roger was sent to Sheppard AFB to attend the Reciprocating Engine Specialist Technical Course. He graduated as the Outstanding Graduate and was promoted to Airman Second Class on June 18, 1964.
May 28, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1964 - It was easy for Roger to balance his work schedule with his military training. Because of Roger's high recommendations from his college professors, several companies contacted him to join their staff.
May 26, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
On December 18, 1963, Roger discussed his enthusiasm after enlisting part-time in the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
May 25, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In December 1963, we began a family ritual. No more cooking on Sunday evenings. We locked the motel office with a note directing that all of us could be located next door if needed.
May 23, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
Arthur and Mae Steckhan at their lake home in Minocqua, WI.
May 23, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
1963 - Roger visited his grandparents as often as he could.
May 23, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
1963- This photo is of Clarence and Verna Gehrmann with Mae Steckhan sitting in front. A Thanksgiving family celebration before Arthur and Mae Steckhan sell their home.
May 23, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
Gail and Bob Gehrmann help and support their grandparents with their decision to move to Northern Wisconsin.
May 23, 2013
Steckhan Family Photo
On weekends, Roger helped his grandparents move to Minocqua. During the week Roger worked full time as a Mechanical Engineer while still attending night school.
May 23, 2013
Mom & Dad & Jean
In the summer of 1963, Roger went elk hunting in Montana for two weeks.
May 22, 2013
Jean
1963 - The other dog, Sammy, also recovered in 48 hours and was back to normal health. Roger and I, as a management team, were never asked to run the motel again.
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Schramka-Borgwardt Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Hales Corners11030 West Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130
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