Kenneth Robert Steck, 1986-2022

Photo courtesy of the Family

In Loving Memory: Kenny Steck

Kenneth Robert Steck passed away on February 16, 2022 at the age of 35. He was born on March 12, 1986 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois to Howard and Cynthia Steck.

After graduating from Keystone Academy High School, Kenny joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country from May 2005 to May 2009. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Marines, Kenny worked 13 months in Iraq with Sally Port Fire Rescue. Upon return, Kenny enrolled at Alaska Pacific University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Outdoors Studies, immersing himself in outdoor leadership experiences.

While attending APU, Kenny met Hannah Carlson. On June 14, 2014, Kenny and Hannah were married at Glacier View Church outside of Palmer, Alaska. After one year in Anchorage and another year in Juneau, Kenny and Hannah moved to the Copper River Basin where Kenny accepted his position of Education and Outreach Specialist with the Glennallen Bureau of Land Management.

As all of his colleagues, many friends, and family members will attest, Kenny was skilled and competent in a vast amount of areas. It seemed to all who knew him that there was nothing that Kenny couldn’t do when he set his mind to do it. Kenny could repair anything and he always enjoyed a challenge. Kenny strived for excellence always on the job with the BLM.

Kenny was passionate about the outdoors. He embraced subsistence living, and was a true sportsman and hunter and fisherman. He survived a bear mauling in Yakutat. He loved flying and was finishing up his pilot’s license. Kenny loved everything about Alaska and all the recreational opportunities and activities that are possible in this great state. As his family grew, Kenny loved working and improving on his beautiful Alaska homestead in Kenny Lake.

Those of us who were close to Kenny knew of his tremendous love for the United States of America and how much he honored our Flag and what our Flag represents. He was very proud to have served his country as a United States Marine.

Kenny is survived by his wife Hannah and their three children: Noel Joy, Zebedee Braveheart, and Lucy Selah, his parents Howard and Cynthia, his brother Brian and his wife Jodie, his brother Kevin and his wife Emily, and his sister Ashley and her husband Noah. Kenny is also survived by his grandmother Peggy Carmen and his uncle Buddy and his wife Nora Carmen.

Funeral services were held at The Crossing Church in Chugiak, Alaska on Wednesday, March 2. Graveside services with military honors followed at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage. Services were led by Mike Merriner, Pastor of Clearwater Church, who married Hannah and Kenny nearly eight years ago, and who has been a dear friend and mentor to both Kenny and Hannah throughout their marriage.