Edward Laverne Steele

Edward “Ed” Steele, age 73, was born on August 13, 1952, to Donald and Bessie Steele in Bemidji, Minnesota. He was the fourth of seven children. In his early years, Ed’s family lived briefly in Montana before returning to northern Minnesota, settling in Cass Lake prior to his starting school. His parents operated a resort along the Mississippi River, where Ed learned the value of hard work at a young age.

During his eighth-grade year, the family relocated, moving into a home across the road from the girl who would later become his wife, Barbara. As a young man, Ed was active and adventurous. He played football, wrestled, and developed a lifelong love for dirt bikes, motorcycles, and anything related to farming.

On March 14, 1969, Ed married Barbara Jean Lindahl, and together they shared 56 years of marriage. From this union, they were blessed with five children. Ed was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Never afraid of hard work, he held many roles over the years, including cooking, logging, farming, and building fire trucks at Rosenbauer in Wyoming, Minnesota.

Of all his work, farming was Ed’s greatest passion. He and Barb operated a successful dairy farm for 20 years in Hinckley, Minnesota. After selling the farm, they moved to Pine City, where Ed continued building fire trucks until his retirement.

Ed enjoyed camping and fishing, but above all, he treasured time spent with family. Family gatherings brought him the greatest joy, and he deeply valued every moment shared with loved ones and friends.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer and other health concerns, Ed went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 21, 2026. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, resting in the promise of eternal life.

Ed will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Barb Steele, his partner in life for 56 years. He is also survived by his children: Lonna Witte and husband Dale; Kent Steele and wife Michelle; Leeann Clennon and husband Terry; Chris Steele and wife Gina; and Alex Steele and wife Melissa; his grandchildren: Megan (Dillan Thompson), Matthew and Merissa Witte, Ariel Taylor and husband Dylan; Serena Charpentier and husband Brian; Steven Clennon and wife Alicia; Amanda Kordiak and husband Mark; Seth Clennon and wife Larissa; Bryan Clennon and wife Theresa; Autumn Wynn and husband Alex; David Clennon, Andrea Clennon; Jonathon Clennon; Olivia Steele; Ellie Steele; Tucker Steele; and Conner Steele; and his great-grandchildren: Herman, Killian, Charles, Victor, and Violette Kordiak; Blair and Bindi Charpentier; and Charlotte, James, Gabriel, Julia, and Sarah Clennon.

Ed’s life was one of faith, hard work, and love for family. Though he will be greatly missed, those who loved him rejoice in the hope that they will see him again.

Services for Ed: 11 AM; Saturday (1/31) with a gathering time one hour prior and also Friday evening 6-8 PM all at the Swanson Chapel in Pine City. Following services at the Swanson chapel Saturday, celebrate Ed's life over food and memories at the Chengwatana Town Hall northeast of Pine City.

Memorials preferred to: St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude’s Place
Memphis, TN 38105

Funeral arrangements for Ed Steele are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

FuneralAndCremationService.com