June 2, 1933 – June 18, 202s, 

Darlene June (Krosschell) Steele came bursting into this world (curly red hair and wonderful curiosity) on June 2, 1933, in Edgerton Village, Minnesota – likely a home delivery. Her 3 older brothers, Don, Marv, and Lesley, and her younger sister, Marlys, have all predeceased her by many years. She just kept going! 

She was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1951 of Edgerton High School, and then married Peter Steele. They were married for 52 years before Pete’s passing in 2004 and had 3 children: Shelley (Steele) Krispin, Brad Steele and Brian (Sandi) Steele. Darlene’s 6 wonderful grandchildren – Shalom Jacobs, Shane Jacobs, Jeremy Jacobs, Josh Steele, Emily (Steele)
Shumway, and Andrew Steele – have brought wonderful great-grandchildren into her life who likely yet have no idea how uniquely blessed they are to have had such a wonderful great-grandmother lovingly known as “Oma.” She also has some wonderful nieces and nephews who have loved her dearly – and whom she loved dearly – so many, in fact, only a few are mentioned here: Elaine Hugunin, Donna Dietermann, Lesley Krosschell, Veryl Krosschell, and Konnie Offerdahl. 

Darlene and Pete owned bakeries in Minnesota, South Dakota, and in Phoenix, Payson, Pinetop, Flagstaff, and Prescott, Arizona. Pete was the talented baker and Darlene was the skilled business-person. Darlene and Pete’s midwestern work ethic was always apparent to their children and grandchildren. 

Darlene was always the life of the party – and could make a party if only one other person showed up. She was always optimistic, independent, and forever faith-filled. Her Christian commitment was apparent to all who knew her. 

Darlene and some of her family visited Edgerton in November 2021 and she and some of her high school friends celebrated their 70th class reunion. It was such a special time for her. 

She passed at home in Gilbert, Arizona, with family whispering in her ears and holding her hands on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Lord have mercy – those who knew her will miss her!