John E. Steichen

John Edwin Steichen, 51, Cheyenne, WY died Tuesday March 21, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

John was born in Hot Springs, SD on Nov. 21, 1954 to Joseph and Lorraine (Hilton) Steichen.  He was raised in Custer and graduated from Custer High School in 1973; he was involved with many sports – mainly basketball.  He entered the US Air Force May 8, 1974.  His Military assignments include Japan, Korea, Ellsworth AFB, Scott AFB and F.E. Warren AFB where he retired as a Master Sergeant on May 31, 1998.  He lived in Cheyenne, WY since Oct. 1993 and was employed as a parts manager at Industrial Distributors.

While stationed in Korea, John met and married the love of his life, Tal Cha who he had two sons with.  They were married 20 years when she preceded him in death in 1999.

John spent his best and happiest times hunting, fishing and gambling with his two sons and three brothers.  He was a wonderful father, role model and most importantly best friend to his boys.  He will be missed beyond words.

He is survived by his sons, Capt. Benjamin Steichen, stationed in Taegu, Korea; Jamie Steichen (his protégé), Oklahoma City, OK; wife of two years, Tatyana; mother, Lorraine Reynolds, Carson City, NV; sister, Rita and husband Walt, of Carson City, NV; brothers, Joseph and wife Sherry, of Topeka, KS; Michael of Rapid City, SD; David and wife Rio of Rapid City, SD; beloved dog Odie; step-son Anton of Cheyenne.  He is also preceded in death by his father in 1990.