William Donald Stejskal

William Donald Stejskal (Bill) of Huntsville Alabama passed peacefully from this life the morning of December 29th, 2023 after a gradual decline in his health. He was surrounded by his loving family during the last days of his life. He was 90 years old.

Bill was born in his parent’s home in Chicago Illinois on June 21, 1933 to Christine (Weimer) Stejskal, and William Bernard Stejskal. He is also preceded in passing by his sister, Marjorie (Stejskal) Vallas. Bill is survived by his high school sweetheart, devoted wife, and best friend, Patricia (Pawlicki) Stejskal for 68 years of marriage.

Bill left a legacy of life of four children, Andrew (Wanda) Stejskal, Eileen (Lonnie) Jenkins, Elaine (Mark) McCutchan, and Andrea Carrasquillo. His grandchildren include Deanna (Justin) Stutts, Jennifer (Charlie) Hartsfield, Elizabeth (Will) Perrell, Michelle McCutchan, Maria Johnson, Bridgit Van Hooser, and Isabella Carrasquillo. He has eleven great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, Ronnie and Lynn (Vallas) Pieniazek, and a loving cat.

He attended Carl Schurz High School and worked at his father’s gas station to pay his way through college. Bill Graduated with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. Six months after graduating, he was drafted into the US Navy and served the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean as a key member of the ship U.S.S. Nantahala. After a tour of duty, he began his career as a Mechanical Engineer for Automatic Electric. AE transferred a subgroup of employees from Illinois to Alabama to work for GTE. This group of coworkers became lifelong friends sharing activities such as picnics, camping, bowling, lake activities and Super Bowl parties.

Bill enjoyed traveling with his parents, and then his wife. They spend many weekends in the northern lakes fishing, sleeping in cottages. His cousin, Richard Elslager and his wife would join. Once a father, Pat and Bill loaded the station wagon, taking the four children across the country to meet with friends or family. Later in life, Pat and Bill enjoyed cruise ships and even later, taking car rides and exploring new landscapes and many sunsets.

Other hobbies that Bill had included boating. Early upon arriving to Huntsville, he and Pat bought a boat, and enjoyed Guntersville lake. All the family learned to water ski. Another hobby included bowling. Bill and Pat enjoyed their friends at bowling and this is something he did almost his entire life. He also took pleasure in golfing and golfed until he could no longer, and again making wonderful interesting friends. From Chicago, Bill started the Indian Princess Program to the YMCA, adding to the existing Indian Guide Program. In his older years, Bill mainly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the companionship of his wife, their friends Cheryl and Merve Eberhart, and visits from Pat’s friends while playing cards and dominoes.

Bill was very active in the Catholic Church, sharing his time and talents. He was sure to make any picnic a hit with the 16-inch softball he brought from Chicago. He was always inclusive and wanted everyone to have a good time. Some of you may remember him calling Bingo, joking around, dancing, making pancakes or selling Tootsie Rolls or even playing Santa Clause. Pat and Bill were members of Holy Spirit Church, then later Good Shepherd Church. He served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 4080, and Faithful Navigator. The Knights of Columbus provided an integral opportunity for him to express his Catholic Faith, charitable heart, and shared values, working alongside his fraternal brothers. It was here that Bill met his good friend John Sloan.

After retirement, Bill returned to work for a while at Boeing. He also received his real estate license and eventually worked with Pat at her Rental Business. He also became a mediator and the Better Business Bureau. He was a member of the Civic Association of South Huntsville, Neighborhood watch committee and a member of the Optimist Club.

Mostly, Bill was committed spouse and friend. His unwavering devotion to his Faith and love of family is part of his Legacy. He would always see the best in people depicting his character of fairness, inclusiveness and empathy. He encouraged communication and to not pass judgment. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations to be made to Good Shepherd Church or Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care.

His funeral will be held at Good Shepherd Church, Chaney Thompson Road, Huntsville, AL, January 3rd, 2023 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Family will have a small ceremony at Valhalla Memorial following the Funeral.

We welcome you to visit the residence in the afternoon of the funeral.

A link to live broadcasting may be found on the Good Shepherd Facebook page.