Velma L. Steele

Velma L. Steele, age 105, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Prairie Masion in Prairie du Chien, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in rural Richland County the daughter of Cleon and Clara (Dieter) Hinkle on March 16, 1919.  Velma married the love of her life, Fay A. Steele, on May 1, 1937, in Galena, IL.   They lived in rural Richland and Crawford counties for several years before moving to Bloomington in 1951 with their four children.  Velma was a devoted mother and grandmother.  She loved visiting and laughing with everyone.  Velma was an active member of the OES Eastern Star Lodge and the Bloomington United Methodist Church.  She also enjoyed attending the Bible Baptist Church in Prairie du Chien.  Velma and Fay enjoyed square dancing with their friends and neighbors.  In 1979, they accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and followed and served Him the rest of their lives.

Velma is survived by her children: JoAnn Hampton of Bloomington, Dr. Arnold (Irene) Steele, Prairie du Chien, and Coleen Reuter, Bloomington; a daughter-in-law: Shirley Steele, Bloomington; her beloved sister: Alma Groh, Oconomowoc; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents: Cleon and Clara, her loving husband Fay, her beloved son, Bruce, brothers: Lavonne (Christina) Hinkle, Gifford (Zola) Hinkle and Harold Hinkle; beloved sister, Carol (Gene) Elder; brother-in-law, Robert Groh; sons-in-law, Richard Hampton, Clarence “Zippy” Reuter and Chuck Jeidy; great-grandson, Justin Lange, and great-granddaughter Nora Steele.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington with Pastor Andy Doll officiating.  The burial will be in Boscobel Cemetery, Boscobel.   Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.