• Reba Otto Steck

    Reba Otto was born in 1897 in Lewistown, PA.  In 1906, she and her family moved to Eola, IL so that her father could open his own business.  In 1914 Reba decided to quit school after her sophomore year of high school in order to help with the family's finances.  She became a teacher.  Her first school was Crosier School with six students none of which were above fifth grade.   At that time the school year ran from September to December and then from March to June.  Reba was wed to Les Steck in January of 1918 after  quitting her teaching job to be a farmer's wife.  Springbrook School could not find a permanent teacher and persuaded her to fill in until they could.  She "filled in" for thirteen years!

    Reba and Les never had children of their own but invited children to stay on the farm with them every summer.  Most of these children came from the inner city of Chicago and had not experienced farm life.

    During her teaching career, Reba accomplished many things and began many programs.  Eighth grade graduation ceremonies in Naperville schools were started by her.  She hired the first full time custodian at Eola School and started a hot lunch program during the Depression when families didn't have much food.  The school was also turned into a clearinghouse for food and clothes for needy families.  When an African American family moved into town, Reba fought for the children to be able to attend their school and changed the views of the school board.

    In 1960, her husband Les passed away, but she continued teaching until 1962 when she retired.  In 1979, Reba was named Naperville's "Woman of the Year" and passed away later that year.  In 1992, Reba O. Steck Elementary was dedicated to honor her and her illustrious accomplishments in teaching.