Background
Steckler, William Elwood was born on October 18, 1913 in Mount Vernon, Indiana, United States. Son of William Herman and Lena (Menikheim) Steckler.
Steckler, William Elwood was born on October 18, 1913 in Mount Vernon, Indiana, United States. Son of William Herman and Lena (Menikheim) Steckler.
Bachelor of Laws, Indiana University, 1936. Juris Doctor, Indiana University, 1937. Doctor of Laws, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, 1958.
Doctor of Humanities, Indiana Central University, 1969.
Born in Mount Vernon, Indiana, Steckler received an Bachelor of Laws from Indiana University in 1936 and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 1937. He was in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1937 to 1950. He was a United States. Naval Reserve officer during World World War II, in 1943.
He was a public counselor of Indiana from 1949 to 1950.
On February 14, 1950, Steckler was nominated by President Harry South. Truman to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana vacated by Robert C. Baltzell. Steckler was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 4, 1950, and received his commission on April 7, 1950.
Only 36 years old, Steckler was one of the youngest federal judges ever appointed. He served as chief judge from 1954 to 1982.
He assumed senior status on December 31, 1986, serving in that capacity until his death from non-Hodgkin"s lymphoma.
Member Indiana Election Board, 1946-1948. Chairman speakers bureau Democratic State Central Committee, 1948. Board directors Community Hospital, Indianapolis.
Board visitors Indiana University School Law, Indianapolis Served with United States Naval Reserve, 1943. Member American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association, American Judicature Society, National Lawyers Club, Judicial Conference United States (district judge representative from 7th federal circuit 1961-1962, study group pretrial committee 1956-1960, pretrial procedure committee 1960-1965, trial practice and procedure committee 1965-1969, coordinator committee for multiple litigation 1966-1969, operation of jury system committee 1969-1975, judicial ethics committee 1985-1990), American Legion, St. Thomas More Society (honorary), Indianapolis Athletic Club, Masons (33 degree), Shriners, Jesters, Order DeMolay, Order of Coif, Sigma Delta Kappa.
Married Vitallas Alting, October 15, 1938. Children: William Rudolph, David Alan.