Gerald “Jerry” Steele

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, The Lord called our beloved Gerald “Jerry” J. Steele of Escanaba, formerly of Felch, to be with him after a lengthy illness with AML Leukemia in his home with his family by his side.

Jerry was born November 11, 1947, in Iron Mountain MI, to the late Rudolph and Ingaborg (Engman) Steele of Felch, MI. Jerry graduated from Felch High School in 1965. He went to work as a Mill Wright for Jack Harder until being drafted to the US Army for the Vietnam War. When he came home on leave he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Carlson, on May 27, 1967 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. In May of 1968 he was injured in the line of duty and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart. Coming back from the war he went to work for Harry Lucas Electric and completed the lineman apprentice program to become a lineman. Leaving Harry Lucas, he went to work for MJ Electric for 15 years. In 1984 Jerry took a job with UPPCO in Escanaba where he retired after 24 years of service. Jerry was a 50-year member of the IBW local 510. He was a very dedicated and hard worker throughout his lifetime.

The things that brought Jerry the most joy in life were spending time with family and friends, gardening, building many things, fishing, hunting, camping, and going out to camp with his dear cousin Ray Steele. Jerry was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed his help, often leaving his mark with different projects he completed at his loved one’s homes and camps. Jerry had a contagious smile and would fill the room with his many words of wisdom that will never be forgotten. Jerry was a long-time member of Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club where he played horseshoes and participated in pool league.  He was a member of the Felch-Breen VFW Post 4803 whom he marched with every Memorial Day for 48 years. He also was a member of the American Legion and Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1976.  After retirement, he enjoyed the game of golf at the Highland Golf Club in Escanaba, once winning the green jacket tournament. He could often be found at his granddaughters sporting events. He also enjoyed watching Michigan State Basketball, the Green Bay Packers, and Western movies.

Jerry is survived by his son Jim (Michelle) Steele of Fife Lake,MI, daughter Tammy (Mark) Winling of Gladstone, MI, 3 grandchildren James Steele Jr. of Fife Lake, MI, Breanna (Tim) Kidd of Gladstone, MI, and Lexi (Owen) Winling of Green Bay,WI, and one great granddaughter, Aiyana Steele. One sister Carol Gilligan of Iron Mountain, brothers Dwayne “Cardy” (Donna) Steele of Norway, MI, Rodger (Patsy) Steele of Marquette, MI, Denise “Bucky” (Sandy) Steele of Felch, MI, and Larry Steele of Merrimam,MI. Brother-in-law Don (Sue) Carlson of Foster City, MI, brother-in-law Norman Verley of Quiniessec, MI, and John Jacklovitz of Norway, MI. As well as many nieces and nephews, along with friends he thought of as family.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents Rudolph and Ingborg Steele, his wife Connie, brothers Edward “Pepper”(Norma) Steele, Vernon (Maryann) Steele, John Steele, sisters Evelyn Verley, Marlyn Jacklovitz. Father-in-law Wallace Carlson, mother-in-law Deloris Carlson, and brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Carlson.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, OSF/Green Bay Oncology Care, Darcy Getzloff and all of the wonderful staff members, as well as OSF Ambulatory Care for the exceptional care they provided Jerry 3 days a week.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 11 from 2:00 to 4:45 PM EST at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will take place at 4:45 PM EST followed by Military Honors presented by the Felch-Breen VFW Post 4803. A luncheon will follow at the Highland Golf Course. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Felch Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family would like to donations to be made to the OSF Healthcare Daniel J. Kobasic Cancer Clinic Expansion Escanaba, MI or KMHC- Infusion Clinic, Kalkaska, MI.