Clyde James Steckel

Rev. Dr. Clyde Steckel, born 3/11/1926, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on 1/11/2025. Preceded in death by the love of his life, Eleanor Louise (Todd) Steckel, his companion of 69 years, and his parents, Clyde Russell Steckel and Opal Elizabeth (Miller) Steckel, of Anderson, IN. Survived by sons James Steckel (Cynthia), David Steckel (Laura), and Mark Steckel, grandchildren Warren Steckel, Jessica Steckel Zorc, Dylan Steckel, Jamie Steckel, and Ashley Pick, and great grandchildren Nikolai and Mason.
After earning his BA at Butler University and BD at Chicago Theological University, Clyde moved his young family to Jacksonville IL, where he taught at Illinois College and began his career as an ordained minister. He returned to Chicago complete his PHD in Divinity at the University of Chicago School of Divinity, and from there moved to Minneapolis, where he served in campus ministry.
In 1970, he embarked on a long and illustrious career at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, MN. He served variously as a professor, dean, professor emeritus, and board member. And, as a mentor to countless students.
Although he retired in 1995, he never really retired, returning to UTS as an adjunct professor, contributing to various publications on a wide variety of subjects, authoring several books, including a work of fiction, and serving as a docent at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
But most important to him was the love of his life, Eleanor. Together they raised three sons together, and his curiosity, love of music, art, camping, hiking, and fishing, were passed on to his children. Clyde and Eleanor had grandchildren in both MN. and AZ., and were able to travel back and forth quite a bit in retirement.
Clyde will be missed! By family, friends, colleagues, and students.
After private services on 1/18, a memorial service is planned for 2/15/25, at 1:00 PM at First Congregational Church, 500 SE 8th Ave., Mpls., MN. 55414