Raymond Stecker Obituary

Raymond Harold Stecker passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 11, 2009, at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ray was born to George and Ingeborg Stecker in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He married the love of his life, Thea Mae Peterson, on August 24, 1952, in Wautoma, Wisconsin. They met through activities at the Lutheran Student House while Ray was completing his undergraduate and medical study training at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Ray served two years in the Army, and twenty-two years in the Air Force and retired as a Colonel in 1974. Following retirement, he worked in private practice with James Carris, M.D., Neil Olsen, M.D. and Joel Ernster, M.D. He enjoyed his years of private practice tremendously, and always treated his patients with a kind, gentle spirit. He was heavily involved in volunteer work at the Community Health Center (Peak Vista) as a founder member, the Marion House, Pikes Peak Hospice, and overseas work in Cameroon and Central African Republic. Ray was a member of the El Paso County Medical Society, served as President, Vice President and Treasurer, was a member of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, including one year as President, and served a five year term on the County Board of Health. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Thea; his son Carl, daughter-in-law Paula and granddaughters Chantal and Valerie of York, Pennsylvania; his daughter Kari (Stecker) Dahlin, son-in-law David and grandchildren Seth and Mikelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughter Katherine (Stecker) Shonts Gump, son-in-law Dan Gump and grandchildren Tyler and Haylee of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughter Kris (Stecker) Reinmuth, son-in-law Rob, and grandchildren Scott and Jana of Colorado Springs, Colorado. From his immediate family, he is survived by his eldest brother Herbert and wife Berniece; along with his brother-in-law Allen Peterson, four sister-in-laws, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-father Harvey Peterson and a brother Russell and his granddaughter, Alyssa Marie Stecker. All are invited to attend a memorial service of celebration of Ray's life at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4925 Farmingdale Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80917 on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 11am. A light luncheon reception will follow the services at Bethel Lutheran Church's Christ Center. While many would recognize Ray by his signature crew cut and bow-ties, all will remember him for his integrity, generosity, compassion and humility. We, his family, have every certainty that he would take any honors and words of praise and turn all the glory over to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be made to Global Health Ministries, www.ghm.org, The National Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org; Compassion International, www.compassion.com; Peak Vista (Community Health Center), www.peakvista.org; or Pikes Peak Hospice, www.pikespeakphospice.org.