Nicholas A. "Nick" Steckhahn

Nicholas Arthur Steckhahn, age 82, passed away May 20, 2024, due to complications of Alzheimer's at Woodbury Senior Living Memory Care Center, in Woodbury, MN. 

Nick is preceded in death by his mother Helen , sister Jil Hopland, nephew Jason Hopland and lifelong friend Lester Tillman.

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sharon G. Steckhahn, four daughters; Christina Hendrickson (Tim), Wendy Hastings (Butch), Robin Bartels (Todd), Sara Waldorf  (Partner-Tim) and son Nicholas F., three grandsons; Justin Lamb (Stephanie), Kyle Bartels (Samantha) and Clayton Bartels, four great grandchildren; Theo & Ellie (Justin), Liam & Karlee (Kyle).

Nick was a lifelong resident of Minnesota, the second generation to be raised in the home his grandfather built on Hubbard Ave. in St. Paul and his children, the third generation. Nick loved all things science as a young boy and would built electrical devices using transformers from a nearby railroad yard. Nick found out in his 60's that his great grandfather was an electrician who worked for Thomas Edison in the early 1900's after immigrating to New York from Copenhagen, Denmark. Nick attended Central Lutheran School where he met his sweetheart Sharon in the first grade and managed to hold her for the next 76 years through richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

Nick served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. THOMASTON, “A “ Division as an Enginemen who took care of all ship's engines, air-conditioning and refrigeration. Having learned a trade, he returned to Minnesota where he worked as a repairman for Arlington Appliance and Ehler's Appliance until 1970 when he and Sharon opened “Steck's Refrigeration & Appliance”. His business expanded over the years to include heating and air conditioning installation as well. Nick was a Master technician who especially loved the diagnostic aspect of service.

Nick was a very family oriented man who strive to be the father to his children that he never had.  Quality time with family took top priority providing plenty of time to enjoy the fun stuff but also lots of opportunities to demonstrate how to build character, good sportsmanship, and many valuable life skills.   

Nick did not have any collections and preferred in his own words to “Collect Experiences”. His life changed following a back surgery in his 30's that allowed him to enjoy all kinds of physical activities such as snow skiing, wind surfing, hang gliding, and flying his beloved Ultralight. Nick survived an Ultralight plane crash in 2004 and spent 11 days in Regions Trauma Unit. He broke his neck but not his spirit and went on to rebuild another Ultralight ~

Nick loved classical music, and took adult ed classes at 27 to learn how to play some of his favorite pieces on the piano.

Nick was a modest man with a good sense of humor who lived life to the fullest. He touched many lives for the better and will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on June 5th, 2024 with a 2:00pm visitation, 3:00pm Celebration of Life Service, followed by a reception, at The Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082. Private interment burial will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Please see the photo gallery below!