Rickey Lee Steckelberg was born on August 4, 1944 in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Robert Max and Alice (Petersen) Steckelberg. Rick entered into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Rick grew up on a farm in the Irwin and Kirkman communities. He attended school in Irwin and graduated with the Class of 1962. Following graduation he attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri and graduated in June of 1966 with his Bachelors Degree in Instrumental Music. On June 26, 1966, Rick was united in marriage to his best friend, Patricia Sweney at the Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. The couple was later blessed with a son, Brian.

Rick served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. He served in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Vicenza, Italy, and Fulda, Germany. He was also a member of the United States Army Band, where he played the clarinet.

During his working days, Rick taught instrumental music in both Walnut, Iowa and Essex, Iowa. He later worked for Shenandoah Nursery, Jaydon, Eatons, and Pella Corporations. At the time of his passing he was enjoying farming the family farm.

Rick and Pat had a passion for square dancing and were members of the Clarinda Circle 8 Square Dance Club. They danced for some 35 years in Shenandoah and Clarinda and enjoyed attending many state and national conventions. Rick was a member of the Essex American Legion, and was an Elder and Deacon at the Presbyterian Church were he was an active member. Rick had recently joined the Southeast Nebraska Community Band where he played clarinet. He enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow band members and performing at various functions.

Rick was preceded in death by his father Robert and his grandparents.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife of 43 years Pat Steckelberg of Shenandoah, Iowa; son Brian and wife Jaime of Shenandoah, Iowa; granddaughter Olivia; mother Alice Steckelberg of Avoca, Iowa; sister Rosemary Klein and husband Alan of Kirkman, Iowa; sister-in-law Beverly Dykeman and husband Marvin of Stilwell, Kansas; nieces Debra Noel and husband Bill of Overland Park, Kansas, Melissa Wilson and husband Mike of Racine, Wisconsin, and Jennifer Klein of Kirkman, Iowa; nephews Mark Klein and wife Joanna of Shoreview, Minnesota and Dan Klein and wife Dawn of Asbury, Iowa; mother-in-law Lucille Sweney of Shenandoah, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.