Maynard Keith Steckly, 88, of Seward, passed away Nov. 20, 2025. Born on Dec. 3, 1936, in Beaver Crossing, he was the son of Floyd and Agnes (Schweitzer) Steckly.
Maynard grew up in Beaver Crossing and graduated from Beaver Crossing High School in 1954. On Aug. 3, 1956, he married the love of his life, Wilma Miller. Together they built a strong and joyful family, raising four children: Frank, Brent, Melody and Sally.
Maynard lived a life defined by hard work and determination. He farmed throughout his life, balancing his love for the land with a 20-year career as a real estate broker in Colorado Springs. In addition, he spent many years trucking, embracing the independence of the road and the connections he made along the way.
As a conscientious objector, Maynard completed his 1-W service at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, an experience that shaped his compassion for others and his commitment to service.
Maynard cherished people – his family, his friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He was a natural storyteller, known for his humor, timing, and ability to bring others together with a tale. His grandchildren will forever remember him by the sweet, comforting smell of his pipe, a scent that instantly brings him back to heart and memory. He also enjoyed mentoring youth through Pheasants Forever, sharing both his love of the outdoors and his gift for encouragement.
A man of many quirks and joys, Maynard named every vehicle he owned, a tradition that delighted his grandchildren – especially when each of them learned to drive “Whitey Whiskers.”
Maynard’s legacy lives on through the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the love he poured into his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his children and their spouses; Frank (Joy) Steckly of Beaver Crossing, Brent (Marita Jo) Steckly of Beaver Crossing, Melody (Ray) Kidd of Lincoln, and Sally (Merwin) Bender of Moundridge, Kansas; grandchildren, Rich (Shanna) Steckly, Dan Klintworth, Andy (Jessica) Steckly, Jeremy (Shannon) Steckly, TJ Steckly, Ashley (Matt) Wise, Eric Kidd, Juan Bender, and Isaac Bender.
He is also survived by many great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Darlene Steckly, Zona Steckly, Betty Grieser, and Janice (Lonny) Roth; and brother-in-law, Earlis Miller.
Maynard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Steckly; his parents, Floyd and Agnes Steckly; parents-in-law, Orvil and Millie Miller; brothers, Vilas and Ken Steckly; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ray and Evelyn Yeackley, Keith and Delores Miller, Leonard Grieser, and Darlene Miller; granddaughter, Kim Klintworth; and several nieces and nephews.
Maynard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hillcrest Firethorn Rehabilitation and Hillcrest Hospice for the special care he received.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 28, from 1 – 8:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. at Seward United Methodist Church with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designations.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
