Robert Fred Steckman

HOT SPRINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA - Robert Fred Steckman, 89, of Hot Springs passed away March 20, 2025. Fred was born to Nettie (Buechle) and Robert Willis Steckman on July 26, 1935 near Lakeview, South Dakota. The family moved near Hulett, Wyoming about 1941. Fred would add, “Dad had a 1937 Durant at that time.” At least that is when we think a Durant appeared in his life story.

Fred bought his first car, a 1931 Ford Model A, when he was 14 and before he could legally drive. He would probably have been able to tell you the pedigree of that car as he could with many of the other vehicles he owned. Many of the stories he loved to tell over and over were dated by what he was driving at the time.

Following graduation from Hulett High School 1n 1953 Fred worked at several ranches in Wyoming and Montana until he was drafted in 1960. He enjoyed his time in assembly and disassembly of portable flame-throwers. Highlights of his Army time included teaching repair and maintenance of flame-throwers including giving demonstrations at West Point Military Academy. (The trucks they drove had governors regulating their speed. After some, perhaps unauthorized adjustments, the speedometers read PER, as in miles per hour.)

After his discharge, Fred worked at South Side Drug while attending National College of Business (now known as National American University) graduating in 1962. (He had an old Chrysler that he paid $500 for. It was a good car, cream colored with a pink top.) His next jobs were at Northwest Pipe and Warne Chemical in Rapid City. Fred enjoyed spending his spare time with sister Zelda and her husband, Bud during the years he lived in Rapid City.

Significant road trips began by Fred driving with a friend to Las Vegas then one to California with sister Muriel and her family to take Joy to her first teaching job. In 1964 Fred bought a 1964 Chevy Impala. With 5 new tires Fred drove his parents and youngest sister, Wyone, to Alaska to visit sister, Claire and her family, 964 miles of gravel road each way ruined all the new tires and necessitated a new paint job for the car.

More important than any vehicle Fred ever owned was meeting and on June 5 1968 marrying Joyce Boyd Johnson. In addition to finding the love of his life, with marriage Fred gained stepchildren David, Mark, Carl Wayne, and Melissa. The newlyweds and their children moved to Texas where they lived for a few years before moving to the Ste Genevieve, Missouri area near Joyce’s family. Fred went to work for Mississippi Lime. In 1973 son, Robert Fred Steckman, Jr. was born. Fred was a very proud father.

Fred joined Saline Masonic Lodge #226 in St. Mary, MO and was honored with a 50 year pin in 2021. Upon moving to Hermosa, Fred held dual membership in Battle River Lodge #92. He will be remembered for his many years of flipping pancakes at the lodge on Sunday mornings. Joyce and Fred were both active in Eastern Star and held many local and Grand offices through the years.

Fred retired in 1997 and moved to Hermosa, SD where he lived until 2014. His brothers-in-law greatly appreciated his help and company during those years. Fred appreciated the annual visits Mark and his wife, Barbie, as well as the times that his son Bob and “THE BOYS” grandsons Noah and Sam were able to visit.

In 2014, Fred decided to move to the Michael J Fitzmaurice SD Veterans Home in Hot Springs. Fred was, and his family is, very grateful for the friends he made and the wonderful care he received during the 10 + years spent there.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his parents, and sisters Amy and Muriel, He is survived by son Bob Steckman and grandsons Noah and Sam; step children David, Mark and Carl Wayne Johnson, and Melissa Whitmeyer; sisters Zelda Strand, Joy (Stan) Neugebauer, Claire (Randy) Scott and Wyone Leonard; many nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.