Merton Louis Steckelberg
December 10, 1930 - April 04, 2021
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Merton Louis Steckelberg, age 90, of Middleton, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at Brookdale Middleton Assisted Living Center. He was born on Dec. 10, 1930, in Middleton, the son of William Steckelberg and Irene (Wiese).
Merton is survived by his guardian, Donna DePape; family, Ingrid Stephan; and family friend, Elaine Schultz. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Delmar Steckelberg; and sister, Verla Steckelberg.
Merton was a gentle soul who enjoyed painting, woodworking and loved traveling. He eagerly participated in Bus About trips with Elaine. His favorite trips included going to Disney World and San Diego with Ingrid and Donna. Merton cherished meals and activities at the Middleton Senior Center. Merton was a former member of the Madison Deaf Club and Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church. He regularly volunteered at the Middleton Library for many years. Merton was intrigued with meeting new people and participating in new “hands on” activities and projects. While communication was learned later in life, he had his own unique way of communicating his thoughts with those close to him. He learned to adapt to the “hearing” world through trial and error.
Private burial will be held at Middleton Junction Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Middleton Senior Center or Silent Lutheran Church. A special thank you to all of the staff at Brookdale Middleton Century Ave. and Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
JK
Jill Kranz
Other •
Merton was one of my favorite people! The words written here in his obituary perfectly describes his life and what a sweet man he was. Thank you Donna and Ingrid, for all the love and support you gave him throughout the years. How lucky and blessed he was to have you! It was a joy for me to see him each day for so many years at the Middleton Senior Center. I am so thankful I was able to be part of his life. ❤️ Jill Kranz
GM
Gregory L Sheehy MD
Other •
For many years, prior to my retirement, I was Merton’s physician. Indeed, it was easy to love this man because of his gentle nature. But, additionally, it was impossible to not appreciate his ability to overcome his disability. Yet that effort to make Merton “whole” was not done by my skills, but, rather, by the love, attention, and patience of Donna DePape and Ingrid Stephan. I was not aware of Elaine Schultz’s contributions but am not surprised, as she has helped many in our community. So what did Donna and Ingrid do? Well, first and foremost, they loved Merton unconditionally. They welcomed him into their family, even though he was not related. They were his angels. They never allowed Merton’s profound hearing loss and lack of speech to limit his communication nor his ability to be himself. Merton learned how to express himself, clearly and with emotion. He was able to enjoy his life, without regard to his disability. And he felt the love and happiness that every individual so badly needs and wants. In a world that too often neglects the afflicted, ignores the lonely, and thinks only of “me”, Donna and Ingrid followed the Gospel...clearly and completely...with love of neighbor. I am very grateful that I had an opportunity to witness this wonderful journey of life and love. Pax Tecum, Merton! -Gregory Sheehy