Karen E. Steckler, age 79, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away on August 31, 2026.
Life Story & Dedication to the Farm Born on January 7, 1947, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Karen was the cherished daughter of the late Carl and Virginia (Elsie) Roberson. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1965 and initially worked at the Daily Republican Register. On July 3, 1969, she married the love of her life, Frederick N. Steckler. Together, Karen and Fred built a beautiful life deeply rooted in family and agriculture.
Karen became the full-time family anchor of their farming operation, seamlessly wearing many hats. She was an incredible chef who spent countless seasons running meals directly to the fields, a gardener who took pride in preserving the harvest, a gifted and passionate quilter and a charter member of Homespun Quilt Club in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, who created beautiful works of art, a meticulous bookkeeper, and a dedicated farm hand. Karen was never still, and her kitchen was always open to neighbors, friends, and family.
Community Service Beyond her tireless work on the farm, Karen was deeply committed to supporting local youth. She poured countless hours of love and hard work into her community, volunteering on both the Wabash County Home Extension and the Wabash County Youth Foundation Board.
Family She leaves behind a rich legacy and is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Fred; her children, Kristi (Dave) Masinelli, Susan (Mike) Shotts, Bonnie Simmons, and Jared (Meagan) Steckler and her brother, David Roberson. She was the proud grandmother of Adeline (Tannor) Spittler, Gage Shotts, Jake (Devin) Masinelli, Lexi Simmons, Lana (Colton) Propst, Aaron Simmons, Joe Masinelli, Tate Steckler and Ellanie Steckler and the great-grandmother of Lee Spittler and Emery Simmons. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Service- A celebration of life will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen's honor to the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Foundation, at www.knightadrc.wustl.edu or the Wabash County Youth Foundation. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Steckler family
