There’s No Hope! In his seminary days Fr. Steckler was always an avid reader and serious student. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in history and wrote his doctoral thesis on Bishop Charles Seghers of Alaska.

Familiarly know as “Steck” or “GG,” he asked the Provincial to send him to the French speaking theologate of Egenhoven in Belgium in 1954. Since the place was full, the alternative was the Dutch-speaking theologate nearby. Perhaps because of his German background, he asked to go there even though he would have to learn to speak Dutch.

Fr. Steckler taught history for many years at Seattle U, Gonzaga U, Gannon U in Erie, PA, and was chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College in California. For the past 10 years he has been administrator of St. Anthony Parish in Waldport, Oregon.

Fr. Steckler was a very popular professor of history. Students flocked to sign up for his courses and they were rewarded with many a laugh as he pointed out the foibles and manias of the famous people of history. One Lutheran student at GU in History 101 complained to his advisor about Steck’s severe criticism of Luther but then he signed up for a second semester with him. The advisor asked him, why, since he was so critical of Steck. He said, “I know he is wrong some place but I haven’t found it yet.”

Being a profound and witty homilist, many of his former students wanted him to witness their marriage. He had a large following of students who admired him and treasured his friendship so they wanted him to tie the knot for them. They are called “Stecklerites”—and they are legion!

Steck was famous for his opening words at the beginning of the semester. Sometimes he would say to the eager newcomers on the first day of class, “You are all going to hell.” That is called an “attention getter.” He would then go on to explain if they did not believe in Christ and follow him, they would surely go to hell. Many listened and wanted to hear more.

Fr. Steckler is a historian of hope. He is famous for saying and writing in his letters that “There’s no hope!” What he means is that there is no hope without faith in Jesus Christ, but he does not state the last part. In short, by his wit and knowledge he has had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of students.