Elma Steckelberg

Elma (Law) Steckelberg, 83, was carried home on the angel wings of her sons, Jeff and Curtis, on March 15, 2015. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday March 21st at 1 p.m. at Morningside Assembly of God. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com She was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 1931 to Hollan and Bertha (Smith) Law. Since she interrupted Thanksgiving dinner, her brother Merle had to eat a can of pork and beans, which he complained about ever since. She lived through the Depression, her mother's heart attack, her brother's war injuries, and her sister Norma's developmental disabilities. These experiences shaped her compassionate character and built her strong Christian faith. Elma graduated from East High School, and later worked at Bekins Furniture and as a homemaker. An initial blind date with Bob led to a six month whirlwind romance, a cross country trip, and marriage on Sept. 4, 1954. She created a loving home with Dad, Jody, Curtis, Jeff, and Jamie. "Family is everything," she said. She was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader. Elma and Bob lived in the same house for 50 years and were married for 60 years. Throughout her seven and a half year battle with ovarian cancer and the death of both sons, Elma remained steadfast in her faith. When Elma was asked if she wanted someone to pray for her, she replied, "Let me pray for you." Everyone who came in contact with Mom felt God's presence in her radiant smile and warm hugs. Elma is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Jody and Orval Hinrichsen (Hinton), daughter Jamie and her partner Shaheen Sutterwala (Madison). She was blessed with 10 grandchildren, who are honorary pallbearers: Mindy and Nathan Steckelberg, Alethea (Joe) Mills, Nicholas (Kyja) Steckelberg, Matthew (Jessica) Steckelberg, Jada Newton, Rebecca (Nick) Keunen, Rachel (Matt) Schuldt, Ryan Hinrichsen, and Josie Shiraz. She had 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Jeffrey Alan, and Curtis Jay, two sisters Norma Law and Margie Stoll, her parents Bertha and Hollan Law, and a great granddaughter Lilly Keunen. The family would like to thank Dr. Lee, Dr. Wender, June Nylen Cancer Center, Unity Point Health oncology nurses and Palliative Care, Hospice of Siouxland, Touchstone Living Center, and the pastors at Morningside Assembly of God for their prayers, care and compassion.