Jolene "Jodi" Steciak

Jodi Steciak, a long-time resident of Harrah, passed away peacefully at home with family and friends on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. She was born on January 31, 1928, in Jones, OK, to Maudie and Bruno Kubiak. She graduated from Choctaw High School in 1947 after leading them to two straight State Championships in girls' basketball. In 1949, she was united in marriage to George Henry 'Hank' Steciak at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City and her passion quickly changed from playing basketball to lovingly caring for her family. She also soon became the CEO of their family business, Steciak Butane Plumbing Heat & Air, which she served until 2009. She was a devout member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church and also served in the Catholic Daughters. It was through her Faith that she attained the strength to endure the trials of life and it was demonstrated not by her words, but by her example. Other than her Faith, her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her support and devotion to each of us was unwavering and her contribution to our lives will be everlasting. Her love will be carried in our hearts forever. She is survived by a son, Dennis and a daughter, Regina Tanner, both from Harrah; six grandchildren: Lucas Tanner, Quincey Tanner, Chelsea Tanner, all from Harrah, Jeremy Tanner (Kerri) from OKC, Kaleb Steciak, Harrah and his sister, Nicole Brown (Bill) from Edmond; six great-grandchildren, and a sister, Jerry Crawford of Marietta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her life-long love, partner and husband of 61 years, Hank. Their separation here on earth was less than two months before they were reunited in Heaven. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Achilles Tanner and a sister, Chloe Ann Rice. Her memories will never fade from our hearts. She was the nucleus of our family. Her example will forever give us strength. A rosary and wake service will be held 6:45 PM, Monday, February 28, 2011, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Harrah, OK. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at the St. Teresa Catholic Church, Harrah, OK, with Father Lucas Raj Pinapati officiating. Interment will follow at St. Teresa Catholic Cemetery, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.