Darrel E. Steck

Mr. Darrel E. Steck, 85, of Wataga, Illinois died 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Heartland Health Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois. 

He was born November 26, 1931 in Hannah City, Illinois to Frank and Fern Weeks Steck.  He married Lillabelle “Belle” Mae Lebegue June 20, 1953 in Highland, Illinois.  She survives. 

Also surviving are two sons, David (and Sharon) Steck of Galesburg, and Dean (and Janice) Steck of Laurel, Nebraska, a son-in-law, Lee (and Stephanie) Steele of Gilson, a sister-in-law, Shirley Steck of Wataga, five grandchildren, Craig (and Stephanie) Steck, Dirk (and Lindsey) Steele, Darla (and Chris) Donovan, Crystal (and Ryan) Dunklau and Michelle (and Scott Montilla) Clague and eight great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Debra Steele, two brothers, Kenneth Steck and Walter Steck, a sister-in-law Mary Frances Steck and a grandson, Cole Steele. 

Darrel graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951.  He attended Illinois State University in Bloomington/ Normal, Illinois where he met his wife of 64 years.  He was a sergeant in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He was a grain and livestock farmer his whole life.  He was a Shorthorn Breeder for over 60 years and he and his family exhibited at the County, State and National Level.  He also was a Yorkshire Hog Breeder.  He was a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau, American Shorthorn Association and Illinois Beef Association.  Darrel was a leader for the Wataga Livestock 4-H Club for 20 years.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Galesburg and was a deacon and trustee.  He was a Sparta Township Trustee for 18 years.  He was also a member of the Oneida American Legion. 

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Galesburg.  Rev. Bob Myers will officiate.  Burial will be in Wataga Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Memorials in Darrel’s name may be made to First Baptist Church, Shorthorn Foundation or the Knox County 4-H and Extension Foundation.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.