Suzanne Steckelberg

Suzanne “Suzie” Steckelberg, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 10, 2025. She was born September 11, 1941, in Wayne, Nebraska, to George Z. Bressler and Venice H. Miller. The youngest of five children—Jeannette, Franklin, Marilyn, and Donnabeth—Suzie grew up in Wayne. After her father’s sudden passing when she was young, her mother remarried, and Suzie was adopted by Ed Miller, through whom she gained a brother and a sister. Suzie graduated from Wayne High School and attended Wayne State College for two years, where she earned her teaching certificate. During a college dance, she met Dennis “Denny” Steckelberg. They were married on June 2, 1963, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osmond, and together they welcomed three children - Tammy, Tim and Todd. Throughout their marriage, the family lived in Plainview, NE; St. Cloud, MN; Storm Lake, IA; Wayne, NE; and Omaha before building their permanent home in Elkhorn. After Denny was diagnosed with MS at just 29, the family moved to Wayne so Suzie could receive her teaching degree. With the support of her family, Suzie and the kids remained in Wayne and Denny accepted a job teaching woodshop at Millard High School and moved to Omaha. Following graduation, the family joined Denny in Omaha. Suzie began her teaching career in Millard Public Schools, first as a 6th grade teacher at Central Elementary and later as part of the opening staff of Cottonwood Elementary teaching 4th grade. After Denny’s MS forced him into early retirement, Suzie continued teaching full-time while caring for him with unwavering devotion until his passing in 1992. She went on to teach for a total of 37 years, impacting countless students, families, and colleagues with her warmth, humor, and steady presence. A lifelong sports fan, Suzie especially loved Husker volleyball and football, and enjoyed attending activities and games of her grandchildren. She always loved dogs and often had a treat ready in her pocket. Suzie loved her friendships and her neighborhood, sharing countless celebrations, driveway gatherings, and everyday moments with people who became extended family. Grounded in her faith from childhood, Suzie was active in her church homes at Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn and St. Mark’s Lutheran in Valley. She lived in the house she and Denny built on Winterburn Road for 46 years before moving to an apartment, continuing to drive and stay independent until recent health challenges. Suzie will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, teacher, neighbor, and friend. Those who knew her will cherish her love of celebration, her generous heart, and the joy she brought simply by being present. In her later years, she was affectionately known by many as “Grandma Sue”. She is preceded in death by her parents George Z. Bressler, Venice H. Miller, and Ed Miller; her husband of 29 years, Dennis Steckelberg; brother Franklin (Lucille) Bressler; sisters Jeannette (Wilbur) Giese, Marilyn (Ray) Murray, and Donnabeth (Lynn) Schwier; brother Harvey (Margaret) Miller; and sister Helen Albrecht. She is survived by her children Tammy (Mike) Sveum of Elkhorn, NE; Tim (Tashia) Steckelberg of Zanesville, OH; and Todd (Jacki) Steckelberg of Valley, NE; six grandchildren - Lauren (Austin) Diedrichs, Bryon (Lea) Steckelberg, Kylie (Lance) Jensen, Andrew (Berline) Steckelberg, Maile (fiancé Garrott) Steckelberg, and Joshua Steckelberg; two great-grandchildren, Levi and Elliott Diedrichs; brother-in-law Donovan Albrecht; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Suzanne Steckelberg

September 11, 1941 - November 10, 2025