Dennis Wayne Steck was born August 30, 1953 in Bellville, Texas. He was the oldest of six children to Dean and Dolly Steck. He grew up in the Burleigh community and attended Piney School through the sixth grade, then came to Bellville where he graduated. After graduation, he worked for his uncle working cattle. He cut meat at Waak’s Meat Market, and then for 15 years worked for San Bernard Electric as a lineman.
Dennis learned the value of hard work at an early age. He started working in grandfather’s country meat market in the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, he would haul hay in the fields, and work cattle with his father and grandfather. During this time, he found his love of cattle and horses. After the hard work was over, his father built him a pitching mound in the pasture and a backstop against the barn where he would practice his passion, baseball. His love for baseball with God’s guidance carried him through his life from playing it himself as a youngster, to coaching, umpiring, and being president for the Bellville Little League. At Dennis’ last game as a Bellville Brahma in 1972, a baseball scout from the Kansas City Royals was there to sign him to continue as a professional baseball pitcher. Unfortunately, Dennis threw his elbow out and ended his hopes of playing professional baseball.
On April 8, 1982 he married Alice Wietstruck at the First Baptist Church in Bellville. He was a devoted husband and family man. His greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren, the loves of his life. He couldn’t wait to spend time with his two grandchildren, K.K. and Y-Man, as he called them. He would take them anywhere they wanted to go, especially to Spoon’s Yogurt where he could get some ice cream too. They were “Partners in Crime”. He loved taking them to their extra-circular activities and watching them play baseball and gymnastics. His favorite was throwing baseballs and giving batting practice to Wyatt. When Dennis wasn’t spending time with K.K. and Y-Man, the Lord blessed his vacant time with two honorary grandchildren, Hank and Hallie Hollan. For the last 8 months, Dennis and Alice watched the twins which kept Dennis on his toes and young at heart.
Dennis was a huge fan and supporter of any kind of sports. He knew the rules of the game better than anyone. He loved working with young children and teaching them America’s favorite past time, baseball. He could never stand to see a player taunt another player that may not have been fundamentally prepared. He would help that player out by giving them pointers during the game. Dennis also had a love to umpire little league baseball games. He and several others (Doug Weiss, Arleigh Pfeffer, Chief Lane, Trever Flisowski) umpired many games together and also umpired at the State Little League tournament. Dennis and Doug had a reputation for running a tight ship when they were calling games. If you vocalized your differing opinion too loudly, the first time, it was a warning, and the second time you left the ballpark. Dennis also loved to watch his Aggies, Astros, and Texans in his spare time.
On October 1, 2018, Dennis Wayne Steck was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Alice Wietstruck Steck; his youngest daughter Kacie Abbott and husband Robert “Reid” Abbott, grandchildren Macayla Lynn and Robert “Wyatt”; sister Dottie Guthmann and husband Gary; sister Darlene Lewis and husband Stuart; brother Danny Steck and wife Lisa; brother Dale Steck and wife Laura; sister Donna Reynolds and husband Mike; brother-in-law Gene Wietstruck and wife Carol; brother-in-law Larry Wietstruck and wife Sandy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was proceeded in death by his oldest daughter Krystal Lynn Steck; son Keith Wayne Steck; mother Dolly Steck; father Dean Steck; his grandparents Marcus and Norma Steck and Walter and Anita Teichmann.
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