Jean M. Steck, 97, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away peacefully, July 16th, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. 

 

She was born January 7th, 1926 in Odebolt, Iowa, the daughter of George Larson and Esther (Smith) Larson.

 

A lifelong resident of the area, Jean graduated from La Porte High School. On December 31st, 1949, in La Porte, Jean married Brenton C. Steck, who passed away in 1998.  She worked as a librarian at the La Porte County Public Library for over 35 years, where she was chosen as Librarian of the Year for the state of Indiana. Part of her library duties was driving the "Big" bookmobile. Jean was a member of the Historical Society and the La Porte and Michigan City Senior Centers.  She was an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the senior centers. Jean loved to travel, enjoying many group bus trips and visiting both Alaska and Italy. An avid reader, she also loved music, listening to the La Porte City Band and The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoyed knitting and spending hours bird watching and feeding her cardinals in her yard.  Jean was a shuffleboard champion, collected frogs and loved cats. She was an excellent cook who hosted large family gatherings, where she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends around the kitchen table. Her secret to a long and happy life was staying active and sipping an occasional Margarita or Coors Light!

 

She is survived by her daughters, Pam Steck of La Porte, IN, Michele (Robert) Ryan of Marion, IA; her sons, Brenton Steck Jr. of La Porte, IN, Charles (Mary) Steck of La Porte, IN; six grandchildren, Vicki Burge, Laura Stewart-Smith, Ryan Stewart, Tiffany Hermsen, Andrew Steck, and Mattie Steck and 8 great-grandchildren

 

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 49 years; her daughter, Kandace Rice, and step-son, James Steck.

 

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place at the funeral home on Friday, August 4th, 2023 from 10:00 to noon.  A private (family only) burial of cremated remains will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery.

 

Memorial contributions in Jean's memory may be made to the La Porte City Band, 396 Melrose Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.