Joseph "Doc" M. Stech, M.D.

Joseph M. Stech, M.D., lovingly known to most as "Doc," passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born November 19, 1927, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Dr. Joseph L. Stech and Gertrude Campbell Stech, Joseph followed in his father's footsteps to become a physician whose care touched countless lives. His early education at Creighton Preparatory High School laid the foundation for his academic journey, which continued at Creighton University and Creighton Medical School.

Following World War II, Joseph honorably served his country in the Army, stationed in Japan. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Delehant. Joseph and Mary married on June 14, 1952, beginning a beautiful partnership that would become the cornerstone of his life.

Dr. Stech dedicated his medical career to the people of Andale, Kansas and surrounding communities, where he was available day and night to care for his patients. He compassionately welcomed life into the world, delivering babies to families for nearly three decades. In 1997, he was named Kansas Family Physician of the Year, a recognition he humbly accepted. His commitment to service continued long after retirement as he volunteered at Guadalupe Clinic well into his eighties.

Joseph was a man of profound intellect and curiosity. A voracious reader with a passion for history and science, he approached life with an insatiable desire to understand the world around him. His dry humor, often accompanied by his famous sayings—"knowledge makes a bloody entrance", "never take away another person's dignity", “never accept a wooden nickel”, and “you’ll live”—brought joy and wisdom to those fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Joseph was a man of deep faith and unwavering principles. A devout Roman Catholic, his strong faith in God guided his life's journey. He lived by the principles of honesty, integrity, and treating everyone with equal dignity and respect. His generosity knew no bounds, often to a fault, as he ceaselessly opened his heart and hands to help others in need.

Joseph's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children Michael (Randy Lynn) of Marysville, KS, Mary Pat of Lawrence, KS, Kathleen (Lonnie) of Conifer, CO, Dana (Eddie) of Manhattan, KS, Daniel (Susanne) of Castle Rock, CO, and Dr. John (Ruth) of Whitefish Bay, WI; his grandchildren Jay (Kassie), Alexis (Jeremy), Levi (Carrie), Brooks (Maggie), Grant, Dr. Joel (Raquel), Jacob (Kayle), Ian (Clara), Will (Julia), Nick, Anthony, Joseph, Henrietta, and Francesca; and his great-grandchildren Natalie, Tiffany, Rylee, Lucia, Archer, Kaleah, and Kamden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary K.; his son, Joe; his son-in-law, David Pellett; his grandson, Sawyer; his parents; and his sisters, Joan and Kathleen.

As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph took immense pride in his family's accomplishments, supporting them unconditionally in all their endeavors. He valued friendship deeply, forming meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Many of his closest friends held a special place in his heart—he would never speak ill of them and loved them dearly.

Throughout his life, Joseph embraced numerous hobbies, including photography, traveling with his family and friends, skiing, camping, horseback riding, and later in life, golfing. He was a passionate teacher and mentor who instilled a love for lifelong learning in everyone he encountered, especially his children. Above all, he valued spending time with family and friends.

Joseph's legacy is one of family, service, and uncompromising integrity. He never missed an opportunity to ask about the well-being of his loved ones, demonstrating his selfless nature until his final moments. Though he never complained, he relished a good debate, provided his sparring partner was well-informed and thoughtful.

To his wife, he was Joe; to his children, he was Dad; to most, he was Doc; but to all who knew him, he was truly one of the greatest humans to ever live.

The rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025 and Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 both at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Guadalupe Clinic (940 S. St. Francis Wichita, KS 67211) or Andale District Library (328 Main St. Andale, KS 67001). 

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