Dateline: Brighton, IL
Tracie Ann Steckel, 65, died at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 with her family by her side. She was born on December 31, 1960, in Phillipsburg, NJ, the daughter of the late Donald and Rosemary (Alteri) Steckel. Tracie retired from the East Brunswick Township, NJ police department where she served as a police officer for 25 years. Surviving is her lifelong partner of 18 years, Tammy Roettgers of Brighton, two sisters, Terry Ann Cooper (Jason) and Lynn Marie Steckel, one stepbrother, Christopher Hamlen, two nieces, Alyssa L. Mask (Dylan) and Keshia M. Junglas (Jennifer), one nephew, Nicholas Rising and three great nephews, Tristan, Gabriel and Lucas Mask. Tracie was also loved by the Roettgers family; Carol (Richard), Cheryl, Tony (Fran), Terry (Joan), Tom (Donna), Sandi, and Kenny.

Tracie loved all animals and enjoyed volunteering her time at Hope Animal Rescue. Over the years Tracie and Tammy have provided a loving home for many horses, dogs, and cats that needed a little extra care and love. Tracie was also an adventure enthusiast; she loved going on trail rides with one of her many horses and dear friends. When she wasn't riding horses you could find her on her motorcycles, playing pickleball, driving her vintage truck, and hotrod mustang.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hope Animal Rescue in Alton, IL. Gent Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com