MaryLou Steckel

MaryLou Steckel (Tesarik), age 94, passed peacefully with family in attendance.

Born on June 28, 1932 in Spokane, WA to Otto E. Tesarik and Lillian May Allison-Tesarik, MaryLou grew up with her four brothers Tom, Richard, David and John as well as her sister Miriam in Opportunity, WA.

She attended the University of Puget Sound, studying physical education. She was active in various sports while in attendance. She was also a proud member of Rainbow Girls and Lutheran Women In Harmony.

On 27 Jun 1953 she married Ernie (Helmet Ernest) Steckel in Spokane. She met Ernie, who was Canadian, when he transitioned through Fort Lewis prior to participating in the Korean War as a member of the Lord Strathcona's Horse armoured corps. MaryLou was widowed on Jan 16, 1977 and never remarried.

She was an avid sports fan throughout her life. In her youth she played badminton, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis.

She worked many years as payroll clerk for the Mead School District. She also worked as a hearing technician.

Her special place was an A-frame cabin on Hayden Lake, ID that was self-built by her and Ernie in the early 1960s.

MaryLou is survived by her son, David Steckel (Colleen Steckel), and her daughter, Karen Wynia (John Wynia); three granddaughters Steckel Bleier of Indiana, Amy Shugrue of Colorado, and Jenn Opatz of Spokane as well as 5 great grand children, Izrael and Emerson Opatz; Mason, Jayden and Madison Shugrue.

A memorial service will take place at Salem Lutheran Church on 27 July 2026 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ELCA GoodGifts (GoodGifts.ELCA.org).