Loren Dean Steele

1940 - 2025

Loren Dean Steele, 85



On September 21st, 2025, the world said goodbye to Loren Steele, a man whose life was set to a soundtrack all his own. Headlined by Barry Manilow, The Carpenters, and Matt Monro, Loren was known for his love of a good song and his belief that a life filled with music was a life well lived. It was with this same joyful spirit that he found his soul mate, Gayle, whom he married in 1967.

Although he was a city boy at heart, he chose to marry an amazing woman who had managed a farm since she was a little girl. Her love of working in the "soil mass" became his, and he spent many weekends dedicated to her elaborate landscaping projects-tilling, weeding, laying sod, and chopping wood. He never complained about the hard work and did it all with a deep love for his wife, even as their children playfully pleaded with him to "quit while he was ahead".

After graduating from the University of South Dakota, Loren served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return, he moved to Iowa and began his career in the transport business, coordinating shipments across the upper Midwest. It was a job that eventually led him to Aberdeen, a move that would define his career. While working at First National Bank, Loren befriended two men who would go on to start Super 8 Motels. After a short time in Huron, his former colleagues called him back, asking him to help them grow the chain from 45 motels in 1977 to over 1,000 just 14 years later. The ride was incredible, and he was always deeply thankful for the chance to be a part of it.

His career was as varied as his wardrobe. As a teenager, he worked at a haberdashery to be the first to get the latest fashions, sparking a lifelong love for bright colors and cutting-edge styles. This drive and flair for trends followed him throughout his lifetime. (He bought a "murse" in 1982-a man purse-and though he never used it, he was far ahead of his time.)

During retirement, Loren and Gayle split their time between Indian Wells, California, and Bigfork, Montana, surrounding themselves with friends they had collected from around the world. No matter their background or beliefs, everyone was welcome as long as they loved life, let him sing, and agreed that South Dakota was the best place on earth. It was a dream come true when Loren became friends with the "Frank Sinatra" of the Philippines, and he was able to sing with someone who was world famous. He even co-wrote the lyrics to one of that country's most famous Christmas songs and won an award for his collaboration.

Along with his travels, Loren devoted as much time as possible to performing. Some of his most memorable roles included performing in The Fantasticks, playing Walter White from Breaking Bad in the local talent show, and emceeing countless events and parties. In 2005, he released his own CD, "This is the Life," a celebration of living fully, and savoring the moment. When he wasn't singing or performing, he was a voracious reader of newspapers and books on history, politics, business, and fiction. He loved talking about the news of the day and never stopped having a strong opinion on current events.

The end of Loren's life was a welcome change of pace from his global travels and performances. In the last few years, he spent all his time with his children Stephanie and Thad, their spouses Peter and Dani, and his grandchildren. His focus shifted entirely to family, and he traded bright fashions for comfy sweatsuits. He often spoke of this time as a peaceful and meaningful conclusion to a very full life for which he was grateful.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents Milo and Carolyn (Suhn) Steele; his wife Gayle; his brothers Ken and Bob Steele. He is survived by his sister Connie Greenbaum, his children Thad & Dani and Stephanie & Peter, grandchildren Thaddeus, Edison, Tyler, Cooper, and Parker.

A Celebration of Life for Loren and Gayle is being planned for family and friends in the near future. Donations can be made in their name to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, South Dakota.