Rick Steckley

---- — SUTTONS BAY --- Rick T. Steckley, 66, of Suttons Bay, died in his home Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, ending a courageous battle with cancer. Rick was born April 10, 1945, in Detroit, to Richard and Audrey (Goodman) Steckley. As a Motor City native, Rick developed a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and was a devoted fan of Detroit sports. He loved to play baseball in the church sand lot across the street from his house, build hockey rinks in the back yard with his dad and collect baseball cards. In high school, Rick was invited to open tryouts with the Baltimore Orioles. Rick attended Eastern Michigan before going in the army in 1966, serving at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas.At age 17, Rick began working for his father, a newly licensed McDonald's restaurant owner-operator. The family operated restaurants in Detroit, but after spending many summers on Elk Lake they decided to move to Traverse City in the early 1970s. From that time on, Rick led and built the Traverse City-based company, MARK'S Management Corporation, into a thriving business that has employed countless people over the years.Rick's pride was his business, which became another family. His genuineness and kind-hearted leadership made him loved and admired by his employees, many of whom have stayed with him for over 30 years. He endeared himself to so many that there was a friendly rivalry among employees over the years, insisting that they were "Rick's favorite". Treating those around him with respect, regardless of title, Rick was known to also form long-lasting relationships within his community. He served on numerous boards and was a longtime contributor to the American Legion, YMCA, Grand Traverse Hockey Association and Between the Fences. Rick also supported Traverse City Christian Schools, where he built and dedicated Legacy Field in honor of his parents.More than anything in the world, Rick adored his family, especially his three grandchildren. Strong and unassuming, he had faith in Jesus and lived with gratitude. A man of deep integrity, he did the right thing even when no one was looking. Rick held a deep respect for his country and those who serve it. He would accompany his parents to his father's WWII Army reunions and pledged to help continue them as long as there was a veteran to attend. Rick is survived and cherished by his wife, Jill Steckley; his son, Mark (Melissa) Steckley and his daughter, Dana (Tom) Broderick, children of Karen Schmidt; his stepdaughter, Rachele (Dan) Gartland; grandchildren, Sydney, Brock and Reece Broderick; sister, Susan Kay (Robert) Sutherland; nieces and nephews, Tim, Todd (Jem) and Kari Sutherland and Kimberly (Matthew) Trone; and cousins, including Patrick Michael "Mike" Rowe. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Timothy Steckley.Visitation takes place today, Feb. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City. A funeral service takes place Monday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Drive, corner of S. Garfield Avenue, in Traverse City.For a more lasting memorial, donations may be directed to Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, VEO1FS, 4100 John R., Detroit, MI 48201; Traverse City Christian Schools, 753 Emerson Road, Traverse City, MI 49696; or Ronald McDonald House Charities, Attention: Charitable Accounting, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523.Please share your memories of Rick with his family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.