Rodney John "Rod" Steckel

Rodney John “Rod” Steckel, 76, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Rod was born August 20, 1949, in Russell, Kansas to Clarence J. and Irene M. (Thielen) Steckel. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1968. Rod was united in marriage to Pam Weeks on July 2, 1971. This union was blessed with three children: Heather, Jerod and Crystal. Later he was united in marriage to Galene Brown on November 3, 1991. With this union, he gained two children: Nicole and Nathan. In Rod’s younger years, he was a rancher and custom harvester. He enjoyed off-road and drag racing. In later years, Rod farmed and owned and operated Steckel Trucking. He always had a love for firearms and shooting. He competed in everything from 3-gun competitions to trap shooting. He passed on his knowledge to Fort Hays State University criminal justice students as a shooting instructor. He was extremely proud to be a member of Team Kansas, a group dedicated to the mastery of firearms. Their motto: “This Ain’t Dodge City & You Ain’t Bill Hickock!” Rod dedicated many years as a Reserve deputy with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and was named Russell County Volunteer of the Year in 2007. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rod was described as kind, respectful, and fun-loving. Many will remember good times with Rod, some stories well-known and others best left untold.

Surviving family include his four children, Heather Steckel of Russell, Kansas, Jerod Steckel (Marcia) of Russell, Kansas, Crystal Miner (Dan) of Russell, Kansas and Nicole Barrera of Russell, Kansas; 18 grandchildren, Cole Bilbrey, Sydnie Nickerson, Shaelynn Ringer, Trey Bitter, Macey Steckel, Jasper DeWitte, Hailey Geir, Caleigh Befort, Isabelle Kraus, Wilson Miner, Ansen Miner, Jaylynn Walton, Jensen Miner, Ally Ochampaugh, Regan Betts, Daryss Barrera, Ashtyn Barrera and Madison Veleta; and nine great grandchildren. Rod was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nathan Peterka; and son-in-law, Greg Bitter.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday, September 19, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Russell High School Trap Shooting Club. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.