Donald David Steele, age 88, of Random Lake, WI, passed
away peacefully on Saturday (January 20, 2018) at Gables on the Pond, where he
had been a resident for the past 1 ½ years.
He was born on July 4, 1929 in Laona, WI, son of the late
Leonard and Amy (Grandine) Steele. He
graduated from Crandon High School, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy
from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Donald served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952,
serving on the U.S.S. Carmick during the Korean War.
On December 16, 1951, he married Mary Kay Essert in Santa
Paula, CA.
He
was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Upland, CA for over 50
years. While attending FUMCU, Donald helped start a maintenance group called
Sons of James. He served as head usher for many years and was the President of
the United Methodist Men at the church. He was very fond of working with the
Church’s Preschool and the homeless breakfast program serving coffee. While
living in Wisconsin he attended Batavia: Zion United Methodist Church.
In
his early professional career, he worked at Armstrong Nurseries in California,
and later worked 23 years in Fruit Industry Management for California State
Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. While
working at Cal Poly he enjoyed working with the college students in the Fruit
Industries Department and the Rose Float Association.
Donald was very active in volunteering with the Boy Scouts,
and spent many hours helping at Holcomb Valley Ranch Boy Scout Camp. In 1975 he received the Silver Beaver
Award. This award is given to adult
leaders who implement the Scouting
program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice,
dedication, and many years of service.
He enjoyed woodworking in his garage, attending Southern Gospel
concerts with Mary Kay, and feeding and watching the birds around his house. He
also shared many of his orchids that he grew in his lath house with many
friends over the years.
Survivors include: His loving wife of 66 years: Mary Kay of
Random Lake
Four children: Paul (Crystal) Steele of Ontario, CA, David
(Nellie) Steele of Colton, CA, Kathy (Ellis “Hap”) Itson of Kewaskum, WI, Ann
(Cliff) Shimizu of Laguna Hills, CA; Eight grandchildren: Jason Steele, Tiffany
(Ed) Sibole, Dalisa (Mike) Krauss, Lee (Corey) Itson, Christina Itson, John
Itson, Jenna Shimizu, Derek Shimizu; and Three great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his siblings: Mary Cole of
Pullman, WA, Morton Steele of Milford, OH, Joanne (Mike) Nelson of Green Bay,
WI, Joy Bauemeister of New Richmond, WI, and Dorothy Guth of Missoula, MT;
Sister-in-law: Ernie Steele of Omaha, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Elizabeth
Derickson, and brothers: Charles and Leonard Steele.
Following Donald’s wishes, cremation has taken place and
memorial services will be held later in California.
The family would like to thank Sheboygan County Comfort
Keepers, St Nicholas Hospice, Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and all the staff at
Gables of the Pond for all they did for our husband and father.
Memorial
gifts can be sent to his church: FUMCU Foundation, 262 N. Euclid Ave., Upland,
CA 91786.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth
is assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit
www.suchonfh.com
