MUSCATINE COUNTY, IOWA SCHOOL NEWS

Transcribed, as written, by Beverly Gerdts on June 26, 2019

Page 95

JAMES "STAR" STECKMAN

    James Steckman lived in South-end along with his sisters Mary, Audrey, Judy, Jane and brothers Robert and Ronald. These kids parents were Mildred and Grant Steckman. "Star" as we called him back in the good ole days attended Old Garfield from 1941-1946. He went on to old Muskie High and graduated. He married the former Grace Tisor on June 25, 1961 and from that marriage came the following two boys. David who is 33 years old and Tony who is 31 years of age. The teachers "Star" remembers most were Kathleen Asp and M. Northey and he says that Ms Othmer was the principal.

     Jim worked for Thatcher and became disabled in 1987 after 33 1/2 years of work at the age of 52. I remember a lot of things that we did as kids. Like playing softball in Illinois City in the Cow Pasture and dodging cow patties while shagging fly balls. We played many ball games in the street in south-end and was on the Benham Grocery softball team. Jim is looking forward to seeing old classmates and friends at the reunion.

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OLD GARFIELD SCHOOL
PTA BOOK OF MEMORIES
Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts on July 17, 2019

Page 41

     My most outstanding memories of Garfield school was the supervision of everything that went on. Ms Othmer was there when we were playing tag football and when we practiced basketball for the school league. Very little, if any trouble could develop on the playground because there would b a teacher watching. I can't help but think that taking prayer out of school has hurt the kids today. At Garfield, we stated the day by saying the pledge of allegiance to the flag. That was followed by a short prayer. it seemed to help me to settle down, especially if I felt I hadn't done my homework well. I felt my teachers were very caring. Mrs. Northey was my favorite, with Ms Stange right behind. It goes without saying that we had the best principal in town at that time. South end was a good place to grow up in and Garfield School was a good school. I made many friends and enjoyed the years I attended Old Garfield.

     Signed Jim Steckman

     Jim married Grace Hope June 25, 1961 and have 2 sons. David 35 and Anthony 32. Jim is presently sitting on the disabled list and Grace works part time for GPC in the office.