Walter Steele

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 2:54 pm

Walter Steele, 79, of Decorah, died Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m., Friday, April 1, First Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Chad Huebner officiating. Organist was Marcia Engebretson. Hymns were “Beautiful Savior,” Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” and “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” Interment was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Grove, Minn. Casket bearers were Arden Gjere, David Gjere, Ronald Gjere, Daniel Gjere, Bob Kelly and Michael Deck. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Walter Gerald Steele was born May 22, 1936, the son of Raymond and Gertrude (Ramsey) Steele in Decorah. Walt attended Glenwood country School until 8th grade. He went to work for Nelson Brothers well drilling at age 15, where he worked for 20 years. Walt then went to work for Winneshiek Coop for the next 16 years. In 1987 Walt went to work at McDonalds where he worked as a custodian for 10 years before retiring in 1997. Walt was united in marriage to Lyla Omodt June 8, 1957, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Minn. Together they enjoyed riding in parades all around the area in their 1982 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. They also enjoyed garage sales and antique shopping as well as going to the Depot Outlet. Walt was a car and motorcycle fanatic and loved his die-cast model cars. He also enjoyed mowing grass on his riding lawn mower and visiting friends. Walt and Lyla enjoyed going to McDonalds at 5 p.m. for supper during the week.

Walter is survived by his wife, Lyla Steele, Decorah; one brother, Curtis Steele, Waukon; two sisters, Betty Burnotte, Hugo, Minn. and Charlene (Eugene) Deck, Marion; one brother-in-law, Milford Omodt, Spring Grove, Minn.; nephews: Arden (Linda) Gjere, David (Pam) Gjere, Ronald (Shari) Gjere, Daniel (Jodi) Gjere and Mike (Summer) Deck; nieces: Connie Olivares, Tracie Burnotte and Wanda (Marc) Reyhons; along with many great-nieces and -nephews.  

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Gertrude (Ramsey) Steele; one brother, Robert Steele; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oliver and Mabel (Storlie) Omodt; sisters-in-law, Shirley Steele and Clarice Gjere; brothers-in-law: Harold Omodt, Jerome Gjere and Bernard Brunotte.