Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Kurt Steckelberg grew up and graduated from Beaman, Conrad, Liscomb in 1986. He decided in high school that he wanted to follow in his father’s, Arvin, footsteps and become a veterinarian. Dr. Steckelberg has many fond memories of going on calls with his dad, working cattle, backing up trailers, and listening to client’s stories. In trying to decide what to do after high school, he looked closely at what he liked to guide him in a direction. He loved to spend time outdoors, liked his science classes in school, helping people, and wanted to do something that would enhance the agricultural life of Iowa. So, looking at professions that would include these, after high school, he set off to attend school at Iowa State University. Seven years later, he graduated from Iowa State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

Upon graduating from Iowa State University, he moved back to his hometown of Conrad to join his father, Dr. Arvin Steckelberg, in practice. He quickly adapted to the fast-paced mixed animal practice life. He learned a lot of things from his father, including to work hard and listen to your clients because they can teach you a lot of things. He became a partner with his father in 1994, and then owner of Steckelberg Veterinary Clinic in 2006. He has grown the clinic into a full-service clinic, providing a wide range of services for small and large animals.

Dr. Steckelberg has remained in Conrad, where he and his wife have raised their three children. Their three children have all attended and graduated from Iowa State. So, when Dr. Kurt isn’t working, he cheering on the Cyclones, spending time with family and friends, or if it’s summertime, on a lake in his boat.

Dr. Erin Damman is, by so many standards, a wonderful, skilled, and talented veterinarian. Around here, she is known as, “The Great Dr. Damman,” a “Damn good surgeon,” and when you really need some help, “Hey good buddy.” Dr. Erin has had a true commitment to veterinary medicine and excellent patient care for the last 17 years at our clinic. She says, “it’s a pretty fun place, and the people are pretty easy to get along with.”

When she is not working, Dr. Erin enjoys gardening, mowing the lawn, or doing anything outdoors (as long as it’s warm out!). She brings in lots of farm fresh goodies to share with staff, which she calls, “Farm to Fork.” Erin’s hard work ethic comes from her farm girl roots. She grew up on a family farm south of Melbourne where her family raises cattle, hogs, corn, beans and hay. She attended and graduated from West Marshall High School in 1995. She went on to Iowa State University where she received her BS in Animal Science in 1999 and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Dr. Erin first practiced in Stuart, Iowa for 3 years before joining the team at SVC in October of 2006. Dr. Erin enjoys small animal medicine and surgery. She has helped modernize the clinic to the excellent level it is today.

Because she spends most of her time at the clinic, few may know that her main interest was initially swine. She enjoys large animal work as much as she does working with small animals, but her detest for the cold keeps her inside during the winter months.

Erin also enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Cody, for many years and has two kids, Reagan and Kale. Her kids attend BCLUW and are every bit as active as their mom, who is an avid runner. Our team relies on Dr. Damman immensely and our staff wanted to say thank you and share our appreciation. Here’s what the staff has to say:

“Erin is always there for me and is more than a co-worker. It’s hard to keep up with her because she works fast and hard.”

“She is a hardworking farm girl, a smart vet, and an incredible surgeon. She loves to exercise and joke around.”

“Erin is very dedicated to her patients, co-workers, and exercise. She is very passionate and seems to enjoy the simple things in life.”

“She is very easy to work and get along with, and I can always learn something new from her (usually related to politics). She is very passionate and says it like it is; I can count on her to be honest.”

Biography coming soon!

Meet Dr. Taylor Peterson! Having grown up in Gladbrook, she is excited to be back in the area and near family. She has been with us since January of 2023 and is already an amazing asset to the team.

Taylor wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. She grew up on a farm and was involved with their livestock and pets. She also has a passion for science, biology, and understanding how living things function.

“Steckelberg’s is a growing practice with a great reputation and the opportunity to join and be closer to family was something I could not turn down.” She loves the variety in her industry; being on her feet, rather than at a desk. She is always learning something new and that keeps her on her toes. She enjoys being part of a team and practice that takes care of its clients, community, and employees.

A fun fact about Taylor? Her married and maiden name are the same, though spelled differently. Many people think she just kept her maiden name, Petersen, but really, she is now a Peterson! She enjoys running and cycling and is an avid participant in the annual RAGBRAI event. She also raises milk goats to make cheese and soap.

“I am super excited to be a part of the Steckelberg team and look forward to meeting everyone and their pets, as well as caring for our producers’ livestock.” We are excited to welcome Dr. Taylor Peterson to our team!

Biography coming soon!