Carolyn "Janie" Stecklein

Carolyn Jane Stecklein affectionately known as "Janie", age 78, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on November 21, 2025. She was born on April 24, 1947, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Ray Broadbooks Jr. and Ruby M. Landrum.

Janie grew up in Pratt, Kansas. She attended School in Pratt through 7th grade, spent her 8th grade year at Eldorado, and graduated from Hutchinson High School. She married the love of her life, Gerald R. Stecklein, and together they shared 57 wonderful years.

Janie worked as a secretary for Derby Refining and Coastal Refining for over 30 years. She was a devoted member of Central Christian Church since 2017.

Known for her creativity and kindness, Janie loved arts and crafts, crocheting, and painting. She crocheted every chance she got and made beautiful doilies. She also loved sewing and made many quilts, a lot of her own clothing, and shirts for Jerry. She enjoyed making beautiful ceramic pieces and oil paintings. Janie also loved cooking and canning fruit, pickles, and beets, always sharing her delicious creations with family and friends. She was a great fisherman as well. She loved going to Roaring River, her favorite place, to camp and fish.

Janie loved all her pets, Smokey, Tinkerbell, Wendy Sue, Bones, John Henry, Weezer, Rosie, and a noisy baby goose that followed her home one day.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald R. Stecklein; sister, Patricia Lohr; five nieces; three nephews; ten great-nieces; four great-nephews; and one great-great-niece. Janie was preceded in death by her parents and sister Margaret Ray Adams.

Janie's memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate to know her.

A Visitation will be held at Central Christian Church, located at 2900 N. Rock Road, Wichita, Kansas 67226, on December 1, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:15 am. Following the Visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue, beginning at 10:30 am.

The Committal service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, Kansas 67206, on December 1, 2025.

Memorial contributions in Janie's memory can be made to Sedgwick County Animal Shelter, 3303 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67219.