Eugene W. Steele

83, of Vadnais Heights, MN and Sanibel, FL Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Survived by Sheryl, his loving wife of 20 years; sons, Chris (Gail) and Jon (Ingrid) Steele; stepdaughter, Kaiya Wheat; and grandchildren, Grant, Cameron, Ben, Katie, Erin, Carter, Brady and Lucas. Preceded in death by his first wife JoAnne and stepson Erik Lund. Gene was born February 1, 1929 to Marie and Frederick Steele. He graduated from Sandstone High School and Hamline University with a degree in economics. He received a MA from the University of Maryland. Gene then enlisted in the US Air Force. He was proud of his military service, participating in combat intelligence training and studying cryptography. Gene then spent 37 years with the 3M Corporation in Minnesota, first in labor relations and college placement, and finally as a senior officer in corporate contribution. Gene was an avid fisherman, hunter and lover of wildlife. His passion for conservation and environmental education continued in retirement. He was talented in fundraising, raising money for Sanibel's "Ding" Darling Center for Education and for Minnesota's Audubon Center of the North Woods. He proudly served as a trustee for Hamline University and as president of the Midwest College Placement Association, as a city council member for Falcon Heights and on the boards of the Minnesota Council for Economic Education, the 3M Foundation, the Ding Darling Society, Audubon Center of the Northwoods and the Sanibel Music Festival. A memorial service will be held at Como Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul on Friday, May 4 at 2pm, reception following. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.