John J. Steech, 82, of Rosepine, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2010 in a Lake Charles hospital.  He was born on January 31, 1928 in Grindstone, Pennsylvania and entered the United States Army upon graduation from high school.  While stationed in Japan, he met and married his wife, Teruko Yajima Steech in 1953.  His Army career later brought him to Fort Polk in 1963 when he made his home in Rosepine.  After a 20 year career in the Army, which included a tour in the Korean War, he retired in 1966 and continued working at Fort Polk in a civil service capacity until his second retirement in 1983.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and his wife. Survivors include his four sons, John Henry Steech and Danny Steech of Rosepine, Jeffery Steech and wife Ronise of DeRidder, and Gene Steech and wife Phyllis of Moss Bluff; 7 grandchildren, Adrienne Steech Walker and husband Ryan, Shane Steech and wife Brandy, Wesley Steech and wife Jessica, Casey Steech, Garrett Steech, Brent Steech and Caleb Steech; 3 great-grandchildren, Elyce and Ann Kathryn Walker, and Gavin Steech.

Pallbearers will be his four sons, John, Gene, Danny and Jeffery Steech and grandchildren Wesley Steech and Casey Steech.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 7, in Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  Father Brian King will officiate.  Burial will follow in Rosepine Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday, September 6, from 5-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. till time of service.