Karl Steckelberg, 44, Blooming Prairie
Karl Steckelberg, age 44, of rural Blooming Prairie, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at his home.
Karl Henry John Steckelberg was born on April 23, 1979, to Dennis and Gaylene (Friedrichsen) Steckelberg in Albert Lea. He began his life on the family farm in Wells. The family then moved to Ellsworth, Minn., where he attended elementary school. He was confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Owatonna. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1997 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Broad Area Agriculture from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.
On Jan. 11, 2003, he married the love of his life, Tricia Klemmensen at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with two children Alexis and Grady.
Karl began his career with Greenway Coop. He then moved into the role of a district sales manager for Dairyland Seed. He has been with Dairyland Seed for over 18 years.
He attended St. Columbanus Catholic Church. Karl was a part of the Blooming Prairie Football coaching staff, a Westfield Razorback Wrestling Coach, a Board Member of the Steele County Corn and Soybean Growers Association, and a member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
Karl was a proud supporter of the youth involved in the Blooming Prairie FFA and Merry Lane 4-H Club.
He enjoyed his guy time with golf league, bowling league and time in the shop. Christmas was a special time for Karl as he enjoyed decorating the entire farm with a drive thru Christmas Light Display. Karl had a passion for crop farming and raising livestock.
He loved helping his kids with their show pigs at the Steele County Free Fair and the Minnesota State Fair.
His family is his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He especially loved playing cards and board games at Steckelberg family gatherings. Karl cared deeply for his athletes, his football family and his wrestling family.
Karl had a special connection with his Dairyland Seed coworkers and customers and considered them family. Karl was known for his patient and loving nature and left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing or meeting him. He will be dearly missed by all.
Karl is survived by his wife, Tricia Steckelberg, Blooming Prairie; children, Alexis Steckelberg and Grady Steckelberg of Blooming Prairie; mother, Gaylene Steckelberg, Owatonna; siblings, Larissa (Erik) Buckley and Patrick (Teri) Steckelberg, all of Owatonna; father and mother-in-law, Rick and Chris Klemmensen, Blooming Prairie; siblings-in-law, Jill (Nathan) Lindeman, Jay (Jamie) Klemmensen and Chad (Tamora) Klemmensen, all of Blooming Prairie; maternal grandmother-in-law, Jacqueline Olson, Blooming Prairie; nieces and nephews, Spencer (Jane), Logan, Lainey Steckelberg, Finn and Eli Buckley, Cole and Isabel Lindeman, Andi, Bergen and Bailee Klemmensen, Trig and Nala Klemmensen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Steckelberg; infant sister; grandparents, John and Milda Steckelberg, Henry and Roma Friedrichsen, Dick and Elaine Klemmensen, and John Dean Olson; nieces, Kassie and Kayla.