William Charles Steele

William Charles Steele, Jr. of Northfield, MN left this physical plane on April 30, 2025, continuing his soul's divine journey. He was 74.
Bill was born in Beirut, Lebanon to adventurous world travelers, Alice and William Steele, whose joy for life and each other shaped his world. Throughout his youth, Bill lived in New York, London, Hawaii, and Hong Kong building his sense of adventure and genuine passion for life and people. Bill eventually made his way to Minneapolis where his life's true work and service to humanity began.
With his former wife Nancy, Bill raised two children, Allison and Derek. One of his greatest passions was encouraging their passions. Whether it was traveling the country to ride roller coasters or visit baseball parks, coach baseball, go Black Friday shopping at 3am, or enjoy a movie together over a pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream, Bill's favorite time spent with his kids was together. He was never too busy to "grab a bite," always offering his endearing phrases "I'm flexible" and "no anchor."
Bill's search for the deeper purpose of life led him to roles as president of the Minneapolis chapter of the Jaycees, founder of Bolder Options – a mentoring program for at-risk youth, and founder of EcoTrans – a sustainably conscious vehicle service shuttling students, dignitaries, and pub crawlers alike (and how he met his wife Kristen, who cherished every minute they spent together). Bill touched a countless number of lives with his generous spirit. Even when his voice faltered in recent years, Bill encouraged everybody he met with two thumbs up and the widest smile.
Bill was a master storyteller – stories of the many adventures he enjoyed and the people he knew along the way. When you met Bill, you were a friend immediately and a friend for life. Anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with Bill was the recipient of his compassion, his honesty, his generosity, and his favorite bad jokes. Remember the time you spent with Bill – remember it with ice cream, remember it with anything coconut flavored, and remember to live "happy every day."
Bill is survived by his wife, partner, and soul mate Kristen, his children Allison Verma (Vikram) and their son Jasper, and Derek Steele (Kaitlyn) and their children Emerson, Eloise, and William (Liam). He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill's celebration of life will be held on June 29 from 1-4pm at Bolder Options, 2100 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bolder Options (bolderoptions.org).