Obituary of Neil Steketee

Neil Steketee 84, passed away quietly at home on May 22, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born on May 6, 1926, in The Hague, Netherlands, one of 11 children. He served four years in the Dutch Army, stationed in Indonesia for most of that time. He married Miny Krikke in 1955 and immigrated to Los Angeles in 1958. He worked for more than 30 years as an installer/repairman for General Telephone in Santa Monica. In 1966 he helped found the Dutch social club Neerlandia, serving as its magazine editor, president and emcee of its monthly dances. A highlight of his life was attending a formal reception for the queen of the Netherlands. He also volunteered with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts while sons Casey and Sid were members. In 1991 he and Miny retired to Sun City Vistoso, where they made many new friends whom they visited at summer homes throughout the country. Neil enjoyed woodworking and his volunteer work with Seniors For Kids, activities he continued after Miny's passing in 2002. He spent his last two and a half years at Desert Treasure Residence in northwest Tucson, receiving loving and compassionate care for which the family is eternally grateful. Neil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who lived his life with compassion, courage, integrity and humor. He is survived by his sons, Casey and Sid; his daughters-in-law, Anne Steketee and Elena Acoba; and grandchildren, Cressie, Cory, Ashley and Dana. A Memorial Service will be held in Los Angeles at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association .