Roger Steele

ROGER WILLIAM STEELE was born on June 27, 1936 to William and Margaret (Spoelstra) Steele on the family farm near Hatfield, Minnesota. He attended school in Pipestone. After completing his education he was united in marriage to Brenda Pankonen in Pipestone and from that marriage two sons were born. They moved to Mankato, Minnesota where Roger worked at Mankato Tent and Awning for over 30 years. In the early 70s, he was united in marriage to Donna Biehn in Mankato. Roger started his own business, Viking Tent and Awning which he owned and operated for 10 years. At that time he began working as a groundskeeper at a retirement community in Mankato, retiring from there in 2012. In 2013, he moved to St. Peter, Minnesota and on May 1, 2015 he moved into the Storybrook Apartments in Pipestone. On Monday, November 9, 2015, Roger entered into the Pipestone County Hospice House where he died on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the age of 79 years, four months, and 15 days.

Roger loved fishing and spent much of his free time out on the lake. He was also a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, watching most of the games. In his spare time he also enjoyed cooking and baking.

Roger is survived by his two sons, Randy Steele of Sperry, Oklahoma, and Jeff (Karla) Steele of Big Cabin, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Robin Catcher, Dustin, Josh, Jessica, Randy Lee, and Austin Steele, and Doug, Jennifer, and Ryan Steele; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daryl and Ronald Steele, both of Pipestone; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marlys Hafner and Janice Jacobson; two brothers-in-law, Wilfred Hafner and Jake Jacobson; and special friend Myrna Just.