Gilbert Steckler, 87

Gilbert Steckler, 87, of St. Henry, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at his home.

He was born April 18, 1928 to Henry and Josephine (Angermeier) Steckler in St. James. Gilbert married Mary Gries October 16, 1948, in St. Wendel Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on February 1, 2009.

Their growing family moved to St. Henry in 1958 where Gilbert continued his lifelong vocation as a dairy farmer until his retirement in 1992. Gilbert was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, Catholic Knights of America and National Farmers Organization. Gilbert and his wife Mary were former recipients of the Bruté Award. He enjoyed horses, antique equipment, family and especially grandkids.

Gilbert is survived by nine sons, Allen and wife Martha, Jerry and wife Marsha, Dave and wife Linda, Greg and wife Julie, Paul and Kenny all of St. Henry, Mike and wife Margie and Mark and wife Colette all of Huntingburg, Stan and wife Martha of Leopold; eight daughters, Carol Jean Niehaus and husband David, Elaine Morris and husband John, Janet Theiring and husband Nathan all of Newburg, Donna Dilger and husband Vernon of St. Wendel, Norma Blackgrove and husband Joe of Huntingburg, Karen Woodside and husband Garry of St. James, Linda Schwinghammer and husband Greg of St. Henry and Lori Tischendorf and husband Terry of Santa Claus; three brothers, Joe, Harold and Donnie of St. James; six sisters, Margaret Ramsey of Texas, Mary Seib of Huntingburg, Betty Lefler of Francisco, Patricia Jackson and Kathy Ising of Evansville, Jean Martin of Newburg; Ninety-four grandchildren and Ninety-seven great-grandchildren.

Gilbert was preceded to eternal life by his wife of 60 years, Mary; a granddaughter, Melissa Steckler; two daughter-in-laws, Margaret and Becky Steckler; three brothers, Edwardn Oscar and Lewis; four sisters, Ester Gries, Sr. Mary Ester, Viola Scheller and Irma Bender.

Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Henry Catholic Church and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until service time at the church. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Henry Catholic Church, The Monastery of Immaculate Conception or St. Meinrad Monastery.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherfuneralhome.com.