Memorial mass for Al Stecklein, 80, of Fairview, will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 26, 2018 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Okeene, Oklahoma. Cremation arrangements are by the Fairview Funeral Home Inc.

Visitation with the family will be from 7-9:00 pm Wednesday at the Fairview Funeral Home Chapel.

Al Stecklein was born to John and Monica Stecklein in Garden City, Kansas on September 26, 1937. His parents named him Aloysius, but Al would fight you if you called him that. At various times he was also known as Soldier, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Boss, Loan Officer, Coach, Businessman, Community Leader, Rook Master, Card Counter, Loyal Friend, and the Pope of Fairview. He passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of July 22, 2018 in the presence of family and wonderful caregivers.

After high school he joined the United States Army and served in Korea. After military service he married Mary Lee Weldon on April 18, 1960. They recently celebrated their 58th anniversary. They had four children. His three adult children obtained college degrees, all without any student debt.

Al and Mary Lee moved to Fairview in 1975 to open AML Grocery, and later opened another store in Cleo Springs. Many people were on the payroll at the grocery store, and if they did not have a work ethic when they started, they either got one quickly or left. Al was German to the core. He had a great nose for nonsense and tolerated none of it.

Al was truly one of Fairview's backbones. He lived a life of service. He was active for years in the Fairview Lion's Club. At those meetings, and sometimes at the Old Men's Coffee Klatsch (it's German - look it up), he was known as Lion Al Stecklein. His distinguished Lions Club service included the Presidency. They also trusted him with their money as he was the Treasurer for twenty-two years. His service was awarded the Melvin Jones Award and he was twice named the Fairview Lion of the Year. Although he wanted it badly, and despite gallant efforts, Al never won the annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest.

Al and Mary Lee's home was/is always open. Whether they were actually acting as foster parents to dozens of children, or fostering their actual children's friends, Al never turned anyone down at the dinner table. At that table you were likely to hear all manner of Fairview news and you had to be ready for vigorous debate if you dared to disagree with him. Also, hearkening back to his referee days, he was known to throw the yellow flag for "piling on" if your plate was too full.

Al was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and he trained many young Catholics to be altar servers. He also served his community for years by delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

Al loved sports and his love of sports drove him to start a softball league in Fairview that continued for a number of years. He also served for decades as a referee for Oklahoma high school football and umpired baseball games. For over thirty years he maintained and cared for town's baseball fields, one of which is named for him. After he retired from the grocery business, he helped coach the Fairview girl's fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball teams. He took great pride in being named a Fairview Yellowjacket Honorary Letterman.

Al died knowing that Blazing Saddles was the best movie ever, Abba the best recording artist, and television was not worth watching unless you are flipping through at least five shows at the same time (one of which had to be Molly B's Polka Party).

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Ernie and Alvin), and a sister (Albertina). He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee; children Brian and wife Barbara, Christopher and his wife Chris, Elaine Hart and her husband Robert, daughter Faith, and special friend Tasha Garoutte. He was the proud grandfather of four: Kristin Stecklein, Steven Stecklein, Kayla Hart, and Bennett Stecklein .

Memorials may be made to the Fairview High School Softball Program with Fairview Funeral Home, Inc. acting as custodian.