Dennis Ray Steele

DENNIS R. STEELE

Cowboy, Rancher, Musician, Father, Partner, Performer & Professor

The Heart of Wyoming

Dennis Ray Steele Remembered

Dr. Dennis Ray Steele passed on November 11, 2023, in his Denver home with his family. He was born in Crookston, Minnesota to Cleo James and Elizabeth Cathern Loos Steele on August 15, 1940. He had one younger brother, Derril Lee Steele. He is survived by his life partner, Molly K. Myer, children; Heather Lynne Steele, Chad Christopher Steele, Shannan Maureen Steele, Gabriel Walker Steele, and grandchildren; Jon Tyler Heath, Zane Walker Steele, Riley Maureen and Darby Jo Bearss, and Henry Liu-Steele.

Dennis loved life. He lit up every room and left people better for it. He was a visionary who saw possibility, not only in ideas and projects but in people. He believed in their greatness and could bring out the best in them. His willingness to dream and take chances permitted others to risk being better.

He was raised Evangelical Lutheran and Christian Science and converted to The RLDS church (Community of Christ), San Diego branch in 1961. At 22, he was ordained as a minister by the church to the office of Elder. He was a gifted and masterful teacher respected for his intelligence and commitment. His ability to challenge a congregation to inquire, study, and build community through open dialogue was unmatched. At 24, he and his then-wife, Bonnie Daye Norton Steele were called to ministry at Graceland College (University) in Lamoni, Iowa and they pastored the youth programs and he taught mathematics and philosophy. Dennis was a lifelong learner and educator. He held a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Music, a Masters in Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Throughout his career, he served as a full professor at Graceland College (University), Lamoni Iowa, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, and Regis University in Denver, Colorado. His thirst for knowledge inspired his teaching career but nothing brought him more joy than his love for music. Dennis's musical career started at age 13 with entertaining, singing, and arranging music for his groups The Flap Jacks and The Townsman. He played guitar, mandolin, banjo, stand-up bass, armonica, and bagpipes. During his time at Graceland, he created and produced quartets, groups, and shows including The Newfolk Singers and The North Door Singers. He traveled with The North Door in the 1969 USO Tour of the South Pacific and entertained alongside Harvey Firestone's USO Hollywood Gala, Bob and Delores Hope, Les Brown & His Band of Renown, and debuted the new USA jingle - "Wherever they go there's a USA" - an original Dennis Steele arrangement. The group placed in the "All American College Show," and performed for Governor Robert Ray at the Iowa State Fair. They were on the road for national fairs and trade shows and toured with Kenny Rogers and Charley Pride.

While at Graceland, he produced musical productions The River Boat Ramblers, Adventure Land Park, and Boblo Island Michigan shows with his then-wife, Linda Riley Steele Lloyd. Later he created and produced the Rimrock Singing Cowboys and The Sarsaparilla Saloon Gals in Cody, Wyoming. Dennis loved all the productions, but nothing compared to singing with his good friends and colleagues from Graceland, The Unpredictables.

After leaving Graceland, Dennis began to build his dream and legacy, The Bit-O-Wyo Ranch, in Cheyenne, Wyoming with the support of his brother, Derril, family, and friends. Dennis and then, wife, Sandy Burns Steele produced the Bit-O-Wyo Bed & Breakfast, the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch week stays, the 4 Hand Harmony quartet, and the Boot Scoot & Boogie Western Revue.

At Regis, the "Dennis Steele" tradition continued for another twenty-five years creating the Regis Ramblers where he produced and directed over 20 musicals with Shannan. He also co-authored and produced with Molly their original "Dueln' Doo Wop" performed by the Regis Ramblers. After Dennis approached Molly with "Let's build a barn and do a show!" they produced The Bit-O-Wyo Horse Barn Dinner Show including performances with family and friends and featuring The Blue Water Cowboy Band. Dennis's love for the West began in Cheyenne as a child and he continued to share his passion through stories, trail rides, and music. He made sure that everyone was always welcome at the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch!

As an avid and competitive tennis player, he coached baseball, and softball, never missed a basketball game, was an assistant college football coach, and loved all sports, but nothing compared to being a cowboy! He was happiest on the back of a horse. Dennis was generous and gave back to the community, especially kids. He hosted WindRiders Adventure Camps with Heather creating magical experiences for youth at the ranch for over 15 years. Dennis was proud of his family and had unconditional love for his four children and grandchildren. He told stories about them relentlessly and had special memories with each of them. All four of his kids shared the stage, education, sports, community, and music with him. His 5 grandchildren were the lights in his life and they adore him. Jon Tyler calls him his hero and shares the gift of performance, comedy, and love of philosophy. Zane shares in musical gifts and excellence in academics. Henry is intelligent, musically gifted, and a natural leader. Riley has a generous heart, kindness, and talent and Darby Jo is full of life, and spunk and has his "can do" anything spirit.

He will be forever missed and loved.

And, in 83 years, he left us with so much, as well as, some words of advice:

~There's nothing like a good-lookin' horse, Wyoming campfire, hobo dinner, and a cowboy song.

~If ya gotta paint something, make it blue.

~Truck stops have the best homemade pie, some pretty good deals on western decor and

anything you might want with antlers.

~Why watch a good movie just one time when you can watch it every time!

~Doesn't matter if the story's true, only matters if it's got a punch line!

~Make em' laugh, make em' sing, and make em' love Wyoming and make em' love Doc!

~If you didn't "mean to" ...then you didn't to mean not to.

~Tougher than a whale's tale means "You're just fine!"

~Family isn't the only thing, it's everything!

A private service for family and close friends will be at The Bit-O-Wyo Ranch in honor of his life.