Melanie S. Steckel, 73 of Blue Grass, IA passed away unexpectedly at her home on November 28, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Weerts Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Muscatine Community Y, the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport or the family, who will respect her ongoing commitment to various beloved charities. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.
Melanie was born on February 6, 1951 in Davenport, IA to Benjamin and Marion (Williams) Steckel. She graduated from Davenport Central High School in 1969 then attended the University of Northern Iowa for Physical Education, graduating in 1975. She was united in marriage to Darrell Orman in August of 1976.
Melanie worked at the Muscatine Community YMCA for over 50 years before she retired in 2024. She was a pillar to the Y and the Muscatine community, where she touched the lives of thousands. Mel led a Noon Fitness Class for decades at the Y. She also taught step-aerobics classes for adults and swim lessons for children. She was a lifeguard, a certified CPR instructor, and most recently she loved playing pickleball. Mel used to visit Muscatine nursing homes and lead fitness classes & mobility exercises for senior citizens. She was also very involved in several Healthy Living coalitions, served on various committees in the Muscatine area, and truly lived her life helping people of all ages live healthier. One of the YMCA's Areas of Focus says that the Y is "For Healthy Living”, which was coined by Mel. She was an instructor, role model and friend to everyone that walked through the Y doors. She had an immense passion for physical education and was an avid runner, participating in countless races across the nation. She was described by members of the community as the sole reason they continued running, encouraged by her infectious energy. Melanie was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, IA. She also kept memberships in the League of Women Voters where she helped with the leagues forums and Business and Professional Women (BPW) where she received awards for her involvement. Melanie loved all things outdoors, including organizing an annual Memorial Day canoe trip that has continued on for decades. She loved all animals, caring for and feeding the many stray cats and even the opossum that drove her crazy was allowed to eat when they visited her house.
Mel especially loved Camp Abe Lincoln and the beloved memories she made there. She was a camper in the early 1960's, then a counselor throughout the mid-1970's and then serving on the advisory committee. She made many lifelong friends through camp, even meeting her husband there. Mel described Camp Abe Lincoln in a newspaper article written about her where she said, “This place is my happy place. Always has been and always will be. It just makes me so pleased to be able to see kids enjoy the outdoors and do the things that camp does for them.” Mel played a vital role in organizing the 100th anniversary of Camp Abe Lincoln, even leading the songs sang around the campfire that night. She dedicated her life to Camp Abe Lincoln, making a lasting impact to the program and people involved.
Melanie will be remembered as a kind, beautiful soul that has touched the lives of many and was an inspiration to all. The devotion, dedication and love she poured into her family, friends and organizations will not be forgotten.
Melanie is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Joshua) Chase; brother, Jed Steckel; nephews, Ben and Chris Steckel; niece, Erin Steckel; grandchildren, Bradley and Tyler Begey and Rachel (John) Monahan; great-grandchildren, Gavin Gifford and John Monahan IV; cousins, Carol Steckel and Annette Biederman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Marion (Williams) Steckel; younger brother, Joel Steckel; husband, Darrell Orman; uncles, George Steckel and Wayne Williams; aunts, Elberta Steckel and Graham Williams; beloved family cat, KC; and beloved family dogs, Rebel, Buddy, Lincoln and Molly.
