"To the family of Gary Steele, I want to extend my sympathy to you all. I knew Gary through the roof work he used to do where I work in Algona. It didn't take long to find yourself in a conversation with this great hearted man. I feel for your loss, and may God look over you as he did for Gary. Stay strong, and keep the memories you have vivid of Gary."
In loving memory of
Gary Steele
June 4, 2010
Interment ~ Vernon Township Cemetery - Renwick
Gary Lee Steele was born on June 24, 1941, at Linby, Iowa, to William and Agnes (Woodburn) Steele. Gary attended grade schools in the Packwood and Abington, Iowa areas and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1959. On April 15, 1960, he was united in marriage to Donna Mehmert in Pleasant Plain, Iowa. Gary farmed in Jefferson County before moving his family to northern Iowa in 1971. Prior to and after moving to northern Iowa, Gary worked for MoorMan's Feed Company. He also worked as a hired man for various farmers. He owned and operated his own business, Renwick Roofing, for 25 years until the time of his death.
Gary enjoyed helping his daughter and son-in-law with the planting and harvest seasons and enjoyed being a prankster. His greatest love and enjoyment was spending time with his family - holiday family gatherings as well as the annual Grandkids Day. What brought him the greatest joy in life were his kids and grandkids.
Gary died at his home near Goldfield on Friday morning June 4, 2010, at the age of 68.
Survivors include his wife Donna of Renwick, son Kevin Steele of Thor, Iowa and Stephanie Portwine of Garner, Iowa; daughter Karla and husband Curtis Meinke of Goldfield, Iowa; son Kendall Steele of Goldfield, Iowa; son Kenny Steele and wife Tracy of Goldfield, Iowa; daughter Kaylene Steele of West Des Moines, Iowa; son Kris Steele and wife Jenny of Waukee, Iowa; and daughter Kara Steele of Des Moines, Iowa, as well as 10 grandchildren, Alicia, Zach, Jenny and Lindsay Steele; Anthony, Mitchell and Erica Meinke; Natasha and Cassie Steele and Allison Steele. Also surviving are his father William Steele of Lockridge, Iowa; sister Judy Mote of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; brother Jerry Steele and wife Mary of Lockridge, Iowa and brother Terry Steele and wife Kay of Fairfield, Iowa as well as nieces, Nykole Steele-Thurston and Sadee Snedigar and nephews, Jason Steele, Greg Steele and Steven Steele. Gary was preceded in death by his mother Agnes, brother William Rex and brother-in-law, LeeRoy Mote.
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.... May your wonderful memories get you through the days ahead. You will never stop missing your husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. You had a great man in your lives that helped influence the rest of your lives. He will always be in your hearts and souls, and his memory will bring a lot of smiles to your hearts while he is greatly missed."
"Kaylene, I wish I had words to lighten your agony. But sometimes words are not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss You are in my thoughts and prayers. Deborah Horton"
"So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with your family. Its a hard road to go down but you will get through it with family and friends that will help you by this big bump in the road. Hopefully hes up there doing pranks on my little brother! If you need anything let us know."
"We had a memorable day with Gary not so long ago, shortly after his mother, Agnes, had passed away. He drove his dad and the two of us around Jefferson County, visiting the places our ancestors had lived, farmed, gone to school, courted, and caused mischief. It was brutally hot, and Gary kept our spirits up, in spite of the fact he was baked as thoroughly as the rest of us. We treasure that day, and our memory of Gary's kindness and thoughtfulness. Our sympathy goes to his family and to the other Steele and Woodburn relatives, wherever they may be. Ellen and Raymond Rye (grandson of Rolla Smith Steele, who was brother of Franklin Pierce Steele)"
"Kaylene and family, my heart is heavy with the sad feelings you carry this day. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you even though I am not able to be there with you. May you faith and good memories restore you in days ahead. You will all carry a piece of your father with you throughout your lifetime, may you find comfort in the knowing he is always with you. Kaylene if there is anything I can do for you or your family please let me know."
"Our prayers are with you, Gary's Family: wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sister and father. May the Lord comfort you. We are sorry we did not get to meet you all in person on our visit with Cousin William when we attended the Steele Reunion. William showed us many photos and shared loving stories about his large family. Please accept our condolences, Stanley and Susan Victor. "
"Kris, Jenny, Allison and Kaylene, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your entire family are in our prayers. May you feel the comfort of God's love and peace surround you as you go through this journey of grief. He is with you. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to you."
"My condolences to Kendall and his siblings for the loss of their father. "
"James and I send our thoughts and prayers to Kaylene, Kara and the entire Steele family. He always took the time to tell us how proud he was of you all and we know he will be missed."
"Kaylene, Kenny and the Steele Family. I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. Remember the good times and the joy he brought to your lives. "
"Children and Grandchildren: Very sorry for your loss,Gary was a great man. He never knew a stranger, if you needed help he was there.But the one thing you should never question is the love and pride that he had for all of you."
"Please know we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers. Gary was such a good person. We only met a few times but every time we did, it was like we have known each other for years. He was always friendly, sweet, and considerate. He sincerly cared about Chris and I and it meant the world to us to see him at the benefit. He will always have a special place in our heart. We will get a chance to pay our respects at the funeral. If we can do anything at all, please let us know. Chris & Helene"
"Wanted to let you know how much Gary was loved by all of us. We had a lot good times when we were kids."
"To the dear Steele family, our love surrounds each one of you at this sad time. May the memories lift you up and carry you to happiness. Remember those gone before us and the welcoming they are now sharing with Gary. Love to all of you from the Lauderman family."