Dennis John Steckelberg, 57, of Owatonna, died Sunday, August 10, 2008. He was born May 30, 1951 in Wells the son of John and Milda (Sahr) Steckelberg. Dennis graduated from Wells high school in 1969. He married Gaylene Friedrichsen Feb. 5, 1972 in Schleswig, IA. The couple farmed in the Wells area until 1984. Dennis was active in Jaycees, Farm Bureau and church activities in Wells. After several years of farming, they moved to Ellsworth where Dennis worked various healthcare jobs while attending Worthington Community College graduating in 1989. He was active in the Luverne United Methodist Church. The family moved to Owatonna in 1990 and Dennis completed his education at Mankato State University. He graduated from Mankato in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Dennis worked for Cedarview Care Center and was the director of nursing for Infinia at Owatonna. Dennis took a position with Mayo at St. Mary''s Hospital, Joseph 3G in 1995 and served most recently as a nurse manager. He received his Gerontological Nursing Certification from the American Nursing Credentials Center in 1998, was certified as a parish nurse in 1999 and helped form the local parish nurses organization for which he served as secretary. Dennis has served as the parish nurse for the United Methodist Church since 1999. He received a medical specialty achievement award in 2001. Dennis enjoyed gardening, camping, lounging in the pool and cross stitching. He enjoyed traveling, trips to Disney World, theatre and attended many plays. Time with his family was very important to Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Gaylene Steckelberg of Owatonna; daughter, Larissa (and Erik) Buckley of Wells; sons, Patrick (and Teri) Steckelberg of Owatonna, Karl (and Tricia) Steckelberg of Blooming Prairie; grandchildren, Spencer, Logan and Lainey Steckelberg, Alexis Grady Steckelberg; father, John Steckelberg of Wells; brother, Dean (and Shera) Steckelberg of Wells, Bill (and Amy) Steckelberg of Wells; sisters, Jean (and Ken) Wessels of Blue Earth, Janice (and Keith) Olson of St. Cloud, Susan (and Bob) Rishavy of Alexandria and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, an infant daughter and 2 granddaughters. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-8pm and on Thursday from 9:30-10:30am. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 10:30am at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Loren Olson officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church or to the donor''s choice. Visitation: 08/13/2008 16:00 08/13/2008 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 08/14/2008 10:30