Joseph Steele

Memorial Joseph Russell Steele, age 43, of Pella, Iowa died at his home today February 27, 2004. Joseph Russell Steele, II, was the first of two sons that were born to Joseph Russell and Jeanette Mae Starcevich Steele. He was born in Centerville, Iowa on November 12, 1960. Russell, as he was known, attended the Centerville Public Schools through the 4th grade and graduated from South Tama High School at Tama, Iowa with the Class of 1979. He then enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa and then attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. While attending Central College, Russell acquired an interest for traveling and then participated in the International Study Programs. Russell studied in the programs in Yucatan, Mexico and England. While living in the city of Westminster, he worked as a Procurement Director for the Westminster council, as a nanny and acquired and developed an interest in landscaping. During this time he had also managed a Hide Processing and Export plant in Corpus Christi, Texas for several years. Russell lived in England until five years ago when he moved to Pella, Iowa where he reside...[more]

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ith his parents. Russell continued to use his landscaping talents and skills and was self-employed in landscaping and lawn care for several families and businesses in Pella. He was also employed by the Pella Historical Society. On Thursday, February 26, 2004, he passed away very unexpectedly at his parent's home at the age of just 43 years, 3 months and 14 days. Russell is survived by his parents, Joseph R. and Jeanette M. Steele of Pella; his younger brother, Nathan Daniel Steele and his wife, Tammy of Boulder, Colorado; and two special nieces: Shauntele Renae and Alexandrja Rose Steele. He also leaves several aunts and uncles, as well as cousins. In addition to traveling, Russell enjoyed bow hunting, his guitars and reading. Russell's polite and caring manner will be missed and remembered by his loving family and a host of beautiful friends. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday March 1, 2004 at the Main Station Cemetery, Moravia. A memorial has been establaished to the Pella Library and may be left or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Centerville, Iowa, 52544to the Pella Public Library