Juleen R. Stecklein, 82, Hays, died Thursday, March 26, 2026 at HaysMed.
She was born December 19, 1943 in Hays, the daughter of Julius and Catherine (Arnold) Schumacher. Juleen was a graduate of Hays High School with the class of 1961 and a graduate of Fort Hays State University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in English. On September 11, 1965, she was united in marriage to George J. Stecklein, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Juleen taught Senior English, Sophomore English, Advance Placement English and German in Ellis County schools. She began her 43 years of teaching at Victoria High School followed by Marian High School and 36 years at TMP-Marian High School, retiring in 2013. Recognized for her excellence in teaching and dedication to her students, Juleen was presented with the Point of Light Award in 2015. She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and S.O.S. (Sisters of Survivorship). Juleen enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles. She loved to cook, with her specialty being German foods, and she delighted in spoiling her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband George of Hays, three sons Doug Stecklein and wife Stephanie of Hays, Steven Stecklein of St. Joseph, MO, and Michael Stecklein and wife Carrie of Hays, her brother Anthony Schumacher and wife Patricia of Hays, and ten grandchildren Chris, Josh, Haley, Sophia, Mary Katherine, Lillian, Vivian, Julianne, Allison, and George Stecklein.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson Bjorn Stecklein.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to National Kidney Foundation or to TMP-M Endowment. Condolences and memories of Juleen may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com