Brian J. Steckler, 41, of Bismarck, formerly of Dickinson, ND, died December 26th, 2014 at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 31st at the St. Bonaventure's Catholic Church in Underwood, ND with Rev. Patrick Cunningham as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Heger Family Cemetery, rural Underwood.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, Dec. 30th at St. Bonaventure's Catholic Church with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 P.M.

Brian was born December 11, 1973 in Fargo, ND and came into Doug & Janet (Heger) Steckler's lives in April 1974. He was raised in Dickinson, ND and graduated from Dickinson High School in 1994. Brian was very active in Special Olympics, participating and excelling in basketball, track & field, and bowling. As a child and young adult, Brian enjoyed being outdoors, either riding his bike or his ATV. Following high school, Brian lived in Dickinson for a number of years before moving to Bismarck in 2005. He was a very social and energetic person and loved the company of others. Brian was known for remembering everyone's name and was widely recognized in several communities. He enjoyed telling stories and making people laugh. He loved to play cards, especially Poker Pinochle. Brian's favorite pastime was spending time at the river with his family.

He is survived by his parents, Doug & Janet Steckler of Underwood; one sister, Sara Steckler of Harvey, ND; one nephew, Conner Hinrichs; his birth mother, Leona Umphry of Wahpeton, ND; his grandmothers, Ione Heger of Bismarck, & Betty Steckler of Dickinson; and numerous aunts, uncles, & cousins.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandfathers (Maurice Heger & Matthew Steckler).