Francis G. Van Stechelman

Francis G. “Buddy” Van Stechelman passed away peacefully, at age 75 at his home in Fountain Hills on Jan. 11, 2013.

Buddy was born in Kewanee, Ill. on July 19, 1937. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955-59 and retired from Bomag equipment after 32 years.

He relocated to Arizona in 1998. Buddy enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kay Van Stechelman; sisters, Jan (David Haga) of Galva, Ill., Mary (Jack Lyons) of Seneca, Ill.; daughters, Judy (Jim Hartman) of Galva, Ill., Jackie (Greg Culverhouse) of Waco, Texas, Kristi (Michael Donnelly) of Fountain Hills; stepsons, Mike (Brenda Rose) of Galva, Ill.; Jim (Kris Rose) of Neponset, Ill.; son, John (Holly Van Stechelman) of Gilbert. grandchildren, Holly of Galva, Ill., TJ of Kewanee Ill., Brandi of Waco, Texas, Christina of Waco, Texas, Brittany and Megan of Galva, Ill., Jason of Detroit Mich., Jaime of Tempe, Andrew and Madison of Neponset Ill., Megan of Fountain Hills, Krisanna and Payge of Gilbert; great-grandchildren, Drake of Galva, Ill., Miranda, Damien, Jacob and Victoria all of Waco, Texas. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, preceded in death by Dave (Pat Van Stechelman) of Kewanee Ill.; a step-daughter, Kathy Sckrabulis; his son, Danny Van Stechelman, and his parents.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at Messinger Mortuary in Fountain Hills on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 4 p.m. His smile will forever live on in our hearts.

Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.