Leita D Steckelberg

Leita Dorothy Steckelberg was born April 7, 1919, the daughter of Gustov and Bertha Bohlander Lapel. She passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 94.
Leita was born on a farm near Manilla, Iowa. She was baptized in Christ on August 24, 1919, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla and confirmed December 11, 1938, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. She received her education in rural schools near her home and graduated from Manilla High School. Leita attended Normal College and taught school until she was united in marriage to John Steckelberg on October 5, 1940, at her parents home near Manilla. The couple bought their farm in the 1950s and farmed southeast of Denison.
Leita was a devoted wife to Johnny for seventy-two years and could always be found by Johnnys side as she helped on the farm raising crops, livestock, and chickens. Johnny and Leita loved to go dancing, especially at the Five-Mile House near Arcadia, the Lake View Ballroom in Lake View, or neighborhood barn dances. They also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and attending family birthday and anniversary parties, and other special events. Leita taught herself to play the piano, organ, and accordion and would play the piano at Eventide in her earlier years. Leita was a member of Snap Club and collected chicken ornaments and pictures. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and reading in her spare time. Leita was devoted to her Lord and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.
Leita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in February 2013; one sister, Selma Steckelberg and her husband, Charles; and one brother, Walter Lapel and his wives, Hattie and Florence. Survivors include a host of nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends.