Antoinette 'Toni' Marie (Martini) Steckel was born November 24, 1923 in Minnesota to Marie and Joseph Martini and passed into the hands of the Lord, September 9, 2017. Toni, one of eight children, spent her youth in Stevens Point Wisconsin. After graduation from P.J. Jacobs High School, at the age of 19, she traveled alone by train from Stevens Point to Seattle Washington—her first travel adventure. In Seattle, she attended the nursing program at the University of Seattle, until the end of WW II. At this time, nursing students had to make the choice between being a student or being engaged. She chose to leave the nursing program in her junior year in order to marry the love of her life Frank Steckel Jr. They married June 8, 1946 in Stevens Point Wisconsin. They lived in Madison while he completed his law degree at UW Madison. In 1955, they settled in Marshfield, and together raised 8 children. After his death in 1987, she remained living independently in their home. Her 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren survive her. Daughters: SueAnne TeStrake, Sandie (Frank) Mueller, Chris (Jesse) Sandoval, Mary Steckel, Donna (Scott) Radlinger, Elizabeth (Tom) Rickman and sons Joe Steckel (Janet Whidden), and John F Steckel (Randy Machtan). Grandchildren: Jill, Kevin (Michelle), and Nathan TeStrake; Marti (Coby) Powell, Nick (Cynthia) and Josh (Holly) Mueller; Jennifer Steckel; Jeremy (Tonya) and Luke (Heather) Barrett, Elena and Alex Sandoval; Jon (Nicole), Greg and Heidi Strack, Alyssa and Cortni Radlinger; Zachary(Anne), Emily(Beau), Mathew and Nora Rickman. Toni's passionate, independent and resourceful spirit embodied her kindness, love and loyalty. Her spirituality shaped her coping skills thru the years and challenges. Of her many passions, her family –her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought joy and comfort. Another passion is her Church- she is a Pillar of Our Lady of Peace Parish as one of the founding members. She and her husband Frank were also longtime members of the Knights of Columbus, where both volunteered countless hours and Frank served as Grand Knight and she as Lady Knight. Toni continued to volunteer serving coffee for events up until February of 2017. She remained active in the Lady Knights, attending meetings and as recently as July 2017–her main contributions included volunteering her time and baking desserts. Toni appreciated and enjoyed her swim classes at Senior High pool. She drove to the HS in the early morning hours to avoid traffic. She water walked and exercised 2-3 times a week. Toni enjoyed her garden flowers, especially the calla lilies and her hanging baskets. As a hands-on Mom and Grandma, Toni's passions also include cooking, baking, knitting and sewing. Traveling to China, Rome, Spain, France, Hawaii, Alaska, Ireland, Mexico, the Caribbean, wintering in Florida or traveling the United States—Toni absolutely enjoyed traveling adventures. She is pre-deceased by her parents Marie and Joseph, two sisters Duane Daniels and Marcelle Hoerl, five brothers William, Richard, Charles, Harvey and Joseph Martini, her son- in-law Willard TeStrake and her grandson Jason TeStrake. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. O'Neill for her years of wonderful support to Toni. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Our Lady of Peace Parish "A Mother holds her children's' hands for a while, their hearts forever". A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, where the visitation will be from 9:00 am until service on Friday. Rev. Eric Berns will officiate. Burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com