Katherine "Katie" (Kerkhoff) Steckbauer

Katherine (Katie) Steckbauer, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 19, 2026, at the age of 78.

Katie was born on July 28, 1947, to Paul and Mary (Hagany) Kerkhoff. Katie graduated from St. John’s High School, Little Chute, WI.  Katie was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the way she made others feel welcomed and cared for.  As the eldest of twelve children, she stepped naturally into a role of nurturing, guidance, and compassion from an early age, a gift she shared throughout her life with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and friends.  She married her sweetheart, Daniel Steckbauer on December 2, 1967.  Their 58-year marriage was a testament to lasting love, as they faced life’s seasons together with grace, strength, and faith.

Being a mother, grandmother and a great grandmother brought her great joy, and she treasured the relationships she shared with each of them.  She took great pride in supporting her 3 grandchildren and son-in-law in the sport of motocross.  She loved traveling to motocross events across the nation, where she met many new friends to cheer for along the way.

Katie is survived by her husband, Dan Steckbauer; daughter, Julie (Bruce) Hansen; grandchildren, Brooke (Josh) Philbrick, Blake (Karissa) Hansen, and Bryce Hansen (fiancé, Justice); great-grandchildren, Aria and Corban Philbrick; along with brothers, Mike (Nancy) Kerkhoff, Jerry (Kris) Kerkhoff, Tom (Teri) Kerkhoff; her sisters, Lin (Vic) Salm, Pat (Terry) Johnson, Marge (Dave) Van Handel, Mary (Ken) Weber, Laurie Heesakker, Ginny (Jeff) Coughlin, Jodi (Ray) Sackett, and Leanne (Rick) Puffe; brothers-in-law, Pete Steckbauer, Steve Steckbauer; and sisters-in-law, Janet (Harold) Resch, Judy (Chuck) Grall, and Ginny (Jim) Carson and former sister-in-law, Debbie Lehne. She is further survived by numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Kerkhoff; father- and mother-in-law, Ambrose and Agnes Steckbauer; her son, Paul Allen Steckbauer; great-grandson, Vance Philbrick; godson, Jared Van Handel; brother- and sister-in-law, Richard and Patricia Steckbauer; sister-in-law, Donna Steckbauer; brothers-in-law, Marty Vosters; and Tom Heesakker.

The memorial service for Katie will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom, WI., April 24, 2026.  A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.