LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE
Trent Steckel always had a way of making people feel comfortable. Whether it was a close family member or a recently met stranger, his unique smile or one of his trademark big hugs would instantly endear himself to just about anyone.
Trent was born Nov. 8 1985, and quickly formed an active and happy childhood. Growing up in Crystal Lake, IL with his parents and older brother, he was promptly drawn to sports and the outdoors. He loved going on campouts with his family, participating in the YMCA Indian Guides program with his father, and experiencing other adventures such as whitewater rafting.
Throughout middle and high school, he continuously found enjoyment and success playing sports. He gained respect among friends, teammates, teachers and coaches as he shined on and off the field. He excelled in several sports, but especially thrived as a standout football player for Crystal Lake South High School.
He truly enjoyed life at Crystal Lake South, where he formed a close circle of friends and met his high school sweetheart, who he remained close with over the years. Trent also participated in the Mr. Crystal Lake South contest in high school and earned the runner-up award when - to everyone’s surprise - he showcased his talents playing the bagpipes, which he began practicing since age ten.
Trent earned an athletic scholarship after graduating high school to play football at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. EIU became his second home during the next four years as he developed his own “college family.” He easily made new friends and was lucky enough to meet his college sweetheart, who also shared his love for the outdoors. People were drawn to his sense of humor, smile and his “Midwestern charm.” He was a country boy at heart, so “Chucktown” was a perfect fit for him. Seeking a career focused on helping people, Trent graduated in 2008 with a major in sociology.
Following college, Trent’s love for the outdoors developed from simple camping and hiking trips into backcountry trekking and mountaineering adventures. His passion for the outdoors literally and figuratively was heightened, when he discovered the beauty and challenge of the mountains of Colorado. He climbed several 14,000-foot mountains in his quest to climb all of the “14‘ers,” which make up Colorado’s highest peaks. He often said he found such peace and beauty while climbing, and labeled one picture of a sunrise he took while mountaineering as “Heaven.”
In 2009, Trent was fortunate to be accepted and sponsored as a cadet/apprentice with the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, and was an intern with the Lakewood Fire Department. While there only a short time, he earned the trust and respect of his fellow firefighters. Trent was truly grateful for his newfound opportunity, and enjoyed every minute as he achieved his dream of becoming a certified Firefighter/EMT. He was working towards his next goal of adding the paramedic certification to his skill level in order to complete the program.
Trent lived his life with enthusiasm, passion and energy. He enriched the lives of his friends, family and the people around him - sometimes with just a simple smile. He credited his one true love, his mother, for his determination and her support.
Trent pursued his loves, and would want others to have the opportunity as well.
As he chose to live his life, he leaves us with his message…
"LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE."
Trent Steckel always had a way of making people feel comfortable. Whether it was a close family member or a recently met stranger, his unique smile or one of his trademark big hugs would instantly endear himself to just about anyone.
Trent was born Nov. 8 1985, and quickly formed an active and happy childhood. Growing up in Crystal Lake, IL with his parents and older brother, he was promptly drawn to sports and the outdoors. He loved going on campouts with his family, participating in the YMCA Indian Guides program with his father, and experiencing other adventures such as whitewater rafting.
Throughout middle and high school, he continuously found enjoyment and success playing sports. He gained respect among friends, teammates, teachers and coaches as he shined on and off the field. He excelled in several sports, but especially thrived as a standout football player for Crystal Lake South High School.
He truly enjoyed life at Crystal Lake South, where he formed a close circle of friends and met his high school sweetheart, who he remained close with over the years. Trent also participated in the Mr. Crystal Lake South contest in high school and earned the runner-up award when - to everyone’s surprise - he showcased his talents playing the bagpipes, which he began practicing since age ten.
Trent earned an athletic scholarship after graduating high school to play football at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. EIU became his second home during the next four years as he developed his own “college family.” He easily made new friends and was lucky enough to meet his college sweetheart, who also shared his love for the outdoors. People were drawn to his sense of humor, smile and his “Midwestern charm.” He was a country boy at heart, so “Chucktown” was a perfect fit for him. Seeking a career focused on helping people, Trent graduated in 2008 with a major in sociology.
Following college, Trent’s love for the outdoors developed from simple camping and hiking trips into backcountry trekking and mountaineering adventures. His passion for the outdoors literally and figuratively was heightened, when he discovered the beauty and challenge of the mountains of Colorado. He climbed several 14,000-foot mountains in his quest to climb all of the “14‘ers,” which make up Colorado’s highest peaks. He often said he found such peace and beauty while climbing, and labeled one picture of a sunrise he took while mountaineering as “Heaven.”
In 2009, Trent was fortunate to be accepted and sponsored as a cadet/apprentice with the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, and was an intern with the Lakewood Fire Department. While there only a short time, he earned the trust and respect of his fellow firefighters. Trent was truly grateful for his newfound opportunity, and enjoyed every minute as he achieved his dream of becoming a certified Firefighter/EMT. He was working towards his next goal of adding the paramedic certification to his skill level in order to complete the program.
Trent lived his life with enthusiasm, passion and energy. He enriched the lives of his friends, family and the people around him - sometimes with just a simple smile. He credited his one true love, his mother, for his determination and her support.
Trent pursued his loves, and would want others to have the opportunity as well.
As he chose to live his life, he leaves us with his message…
"LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE."
