September 25th, 2025, 5:33pm MDT
Every Tuesday, Chuck and Therese’s Steadman’s car is filled with joy, laughter, music and stories. Daughter Katie Beaudel and grandson Gavin Beaudel travel to Gilbert Arizona Temple to serve as temple workers.
“Tuesday has become a sacred tradition for our family,” Chuck Steadman said. “We all look forward to it with genuine excitement. The weekly drive to the temple is more than just a routine. It’s time to laugh, connect and prepare our hearts.”
For the third time in their lives, Chuck and Therese Steadman work together in the temple. However, unlike the others this time, they are joined by two more generations of families. As Gavin Beaudel prepares to serve the Mexican Hermosilo Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is the first time he and his mother, Katie Beaudel, have served in the temple.
“Serving in the temple is a sweet experience,” said Therese Steadman. “Serving with family is like icing on the cake. The experiences of each temple reinforce the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the reality that the family is forever.”
Therese Steadman was baptized at the age of 13 after being taught the principles of the gospel. More than a year later, her family was sealed. Chuck Steadman, meanwhile, was raised in a church, but his family was not sealed until he went down the road. The Steadmans were sealed at Los Angeles Temple on January 19, 1975. They have now been sealed for over 50 years.
By serving together in the temple, I was able to remember the family that passed by beyond the meaning of veil and “eternal family.”
“Just like temple ordinances bind us to our loved ones who have done us previously,” said Therese Steadman. “Temple Services strengthens relationships here and now as they have a deeper understanding of the eternal nature of families and the importance of their relationships. Temple Services reminds us that efforts are needed to maintain a strong and happy family.”
The Steadmans and Bodells contribute to a variety of roles around the temple. Chuck Steadman and Katie Beaudel are often baptized and served together, which bring special memories for her.
“Battlement with my father brings a sacred memory of my own baptism when I baptized me as an eight-year-old girl in white,” Katie Beaudel said. “Every time you see a family come to perform baptism, and especially when you see a father standing in the font with his son or daughter, these feelings come back. These experiences remind us of the eternal nature of the family and the joy of making a covenant with the Lord.”
Therese Strideman said he could see his children kneeling around an altar sealed by his spouse.
“Working in the temple gave me a sense of spiritual confidence and security about my decision to serve on the mission,” Gavin Strideman said. “It helped me to concentrate more on the Savior and strengthen my testimony in a quiet and powerful way. It was also a blessing to share this experience with my family and know that we are all serving the Lord.”
Gavin Beaudel’s decision to serve the mission came during a senior high school year, when it became clear that this was the “next step.”
“I’ve always loved serving people and know that serving my mission is the next step in strengthening my faith and following my Savior,” he said.
He will report to the Mexican Missionary Training Center on October 1st. His time in the temple helped him grow in both faith and self-confidence in preparing for his ministry.
“I had the privilege of leading Gavin at temple services,” Chuck Steadman said. “As he prepares for his mission, he sees him grow in faith and self-confidence. To see his dedication firsthand was one of the most fulfilling parts of paternity.”
Ten months ago, when Chuck and Therese Strideman began serving at the Gilbert Arizona Temple, they saw the blessings come to fruition.
“To see each of (my children) and finding one of my own paths to the temple was one of the sweetest answers to the prayer I had hoped for,” said Therese Strideman.
Now, as Gavin Bodel prepares to begin full-time missionary service, their families continue their path of covenant, Chuck and Therese Steadman resonate the words of the Apostle John.
