Susan J. Steele, age 61, of Alta, passed away on Friday, May 09, 2014 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center of Storm Lake. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at 4:00 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta with the Rev. Don E. Rothweiler officiating. Burial will be at the Scandinavian Cemetery of Alta. There will be no visitation. The Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Susan’s name.
Susan “Susie” Steele was born to Harry and Bernyce (Eilts) Melander in Iowa. She grew up in Alta, IA and enjoyed movies with her brother, sister and cousins but would not share her popcorn. They enjoyed swimming and would swim all summer long. She was the Homecoming and Prom Queen at Alta High School, where she was also a varsity cheerleader and baton twirler. She attended college at Buena Vista University and earned a B.A. in education. She taught for a couple of years, and then later worked as a merchandise receiver and financial controller.
She was united in marriage to Brad Steele. To this union, one daughter, Ginger was born, whom Susie was very protective of. Susie enjoyed celebrating holidays with her family and Polynesian feasts with family and friends. She taught her family members to swim, twirl and cheer. Susie was known for her great sense of humor. She was a strong willed and “straight up” person who tried to be fair. Susie enjoyed watching movies and cartoons with friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Butch and an infant sister, Carolyn; and cousin, Bobby-Ray.
Susie is survived by her daughter, Ginger and her husband, Ivan; granddaughters, Lyla and Carole; sister, Karen; nieces, Tamara and Nicole; great-niece, Brieann; and cousins, Cynthia, Raymond, Linda, Junior, Rich, Bobbie and Melody.