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Hurst Funeral Home, Inc.

Greenville, Michigan 48838
Phone: (616) 754-6616
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Web Site: http://www.hurstfuneralhome.com

Dr. H. O. Steele Click for Condolences      Printable Version
1927 - 2008

Dr. H. O.  SteeleDr. Harold O. Steele age 80 of Greenville died Thursday March 27, 2008 at his home in Greenville. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on August 30, 1927 the son of Harold O. Steele Sr. and Frances Speaker Steele. He was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School with honors and attended Grand Rapids Jr. College prior to attending University of Michigan Dental School. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving in the ending of WWII and was married to his high school sweetheart Eleanor P. Hook at Christ Church in Grand Rapids on August 27, 1950.

Dr. Steele was an avid U of M Alumnus and attended most all U of M football games. He was a member of the West Michigan Dental Society and was awarded the Silent Bell Award. He had his dental practice in Greenville for 46 years retiring in 1998. He was a founding trustee of the Montcalm Community College and served on the board for many years, a trustee of the Greenville Board of Education, a member of the Greenville Lions Club for 55 years with perfect attendance, member of the First United Methodist Church of Greenville, U of M Alumni Association, Flat River Antique Car Club, volunteer at Greenville Public Schools track events for many years and was a local football official. He was a board member of the Montcalm Area Immediate School District and served as president for many years . He has been given numerous awards and honors for his efforts with education in the community. He also loved sailing and skiing.

Dr. Steele is survived by his wife Eleanor, their children; Margaret (Lindy) Gorden of Orland Park IL, Julia (Warren) Emley of Concord N.H., Dr. H.O. Chip Steele of Coral and Dr. Robert (Dr. Phyllis) Steele of Ann Arbor, his grandchildren; Matthew and Andrew Gorden, Anna, Carolyn and Paul Barnwell, Robert R. Jackie, Diana and Charlotte Steele, his brother Tom (Marilyn) Steele of Virginia, sister Susan (Stanley) Victor of Hawaii, his sister-in-law Joanie Steele of Colorado and brother-in-law Charles (Janet) Hook of Marne and nieces and nephews.

His parents and his brother Richard preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday March 30, 2008 at 3 PM from Greenville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Joy Moore officiating. A Visitation will be on Saturday from 2-4 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. In Lieu of Flowers the Harold Steele memorial fund is to be established.


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There are currently 27 condolences.


Jane Barnwell
Saturday April 26, 2008 at 2:15 PM

Dear Ellie and family of "Doc" Steele, I was sorry to learn of Doc's passing. My thoughts are with you all. Aloha, Jane Barnwell
 
Kimberly Moore Smith
Tuesday April 15, 2008 at 9:02 PM

Dearest Mrs. Steele, Chip and the entire Steele family, I am so sorry the loss of your dear husband and father. He will always be remembered as a man with a kind and gentle spirit. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to be at the funeral to give you my sympathy in person. I had just arrived in Michigan late Saturday night and Sunday was the first day I could spend with my Dad. It happened to be the last day of his life here as well. They are both at peace in a better place. God bless you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Kim Antigo, Wisconsin
 
Jennifer Richmond
Saturday April 12, 2008 at 11:39 PM

I am so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Steele. I have fond memories of Dr. Steele as my first dentist when grewing up in Greenville. He was very patient and considerate to me. Our family all liked him as our dentist. I lost my parents this year but know they would want to send their condolences, as they thought a lot of Dr. Steele as well. Best wishes to you. Jennifer
 
Matthew Blinkilde
Tuesday April 1, 2008 at 10:23 PM

It was a hot day this past summer, and had been a long day for me in Lansing. I had just arrived in Ypsilanti, my college "hometown" and was stopping at KMart for milk, when up next to me pulled Dr. and Mrs. Steele. We talked for while in the parking lot, and it was nice to see friendly faces from Greenville. I was working in the office of Rep. Emmons, and it had been a rough day, a busy day, but I left that lot with a lighter step. After stories, and hometown news had gone on for awhile Eleanor said "Well Steele, I'd better go and get your shirt, and let this young man on his way." And I gave her my arm and escorted her in with him adding as we left: "Have her back at a decent hour." Inside she and I talked some more, catching up on family news. We parted ways, and I was leaving the store and Dr. Steele and I got to talking again. Driving away a deal of time later, a borderline day had become a good one. I remember thinking how lucky I was to come from such a town, and to know such people. This has been a little long-winded, but as I offer my condolences to Eleanor and the rest of the Steele family, I wanted to let them know how much they have meant to many. This is a small anecdote of a much larger theme. Harold's presence will be greatly missed, though his manner, his stories, and that evening in the KMart parking lot in Ypsilanti will have fond places in my heart, as will memories of him with others. My condolences to you and your family, Matt Blinkilde.
 
Homer Shrader
Sunday March 30, 2008 at 7:41 PM

Eleanor I am sorry to hear about Harold. He was a good friend and we had many fine conversations over the years. Harold will be missed by all of us. My condolences to you and your family. Homer Shrader
 
Jim Stout
Sunday March 30, 2008 at 10:30 AM

Always enjoyed knowing Harold as he was in the same building as my Father-in-law, Dr. Nels Sorensen. He loved the UofM as we do as well. Go Blue Harold.....Jim
 
Wendy Barry (now Braford}
Sunday March 30, 2008 at 10:01 AM

You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I have very nice memories of growing up with all of the children. Frank Barry was my brother and Chip and Frank were very good friends. Julia and Margaret were close to my age so we have many school memories. Robert was a friend to Julie Hamper, and she is my cousin. She will be sad to hear of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and hope your family is doing well. Sincerely Wendy Barry Braford
 
Char Lothian
Sunday March 30, 2008 at 7:39 AM

Dear Eleanor and family, News of Harold's death reached me in here in Myrtle Beach. I wish I could come and give you a hug in person. Know you are in my thoughts and that Harold was always one of our favorite people. Thinking of you, Char
 
Cindy Spohn
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 4:24 PM

My heart and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. Doc will be greatly missed by all. He was well educated, a fine athlete, a giver of the community, forward thinking, contributed much to the dental field especially, and yet he was very down to earth. Truely one of a kind. He was a fine example of how life should be lived. I will remember him fondly and with much respect.
 
Dr. Harry and Judy
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 2:25 PM

Dear Eleanor. Please accept our deepest condolences. We have many fond memories of our times together in the neighborhood and at church and are glad you both have been a part of our lives for so many years. It is not news to anyone what an outstanding man Harold was. His impact on the community and his contributions helped to make Greenville a great place to live. Many will miss him and all respect his memory. Hoping to see you when we are in Michigan.
 
Darci Higginson Thompson
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 12:36 PM

Chip and Eleanor, I just heard the news. How deeply sad this is. My heart goes out to you all. Doc was truly such a dear and special man and has left an amazing impact on the Greenville area. He gave his all at everything he did. I will remember him as a wonderful Dentist, Employer, Father, Friend, Husband, Grandfather, Mentor, Business man and lover of education. He always saw the best in a person and believed in people. He was my personal inspiration to choose the dental field as a career. Words just cant explain how special you were Doc and I will miss you and cherish every memory. From seeing you at every Yellow Jacket Football game when I was a kid to working with you everyday. Yes and every filling you gave me too :) Now you are safe in the arms of Jesus. Love, Darci
 
Dale Johnston
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM

Dr Steele was a very good friend of mine. I will miss him.
 
Robert D. Crossman, DDS
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM

My sincere codolences to the family of Harold O. Steel. Harold's philosophy of dental practice and community service was always a fine example for all of us. As a fellow retired dentist I salute Harold's accomplishments in this life. My wife, Barbara, wishes to join me in expressing our sympathy especially to Tom & Marilyn Steel and joannie Steel, our high school cassmates. Having had recent knee replacement surgery I cannot express these thoughts in person, so please accept this e-mail as the best I can do. Robert (Bob) Crossman, Barbara (Eckberg) Crossman
 
David and Lorri McGowan
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Eleanor, We are very sorry for your loss. Doc was a wonderful man and his legacy will continue on for years to come. He was always ready with a "hello" or kind word, a very gentle man. Everyone in the community has lost a friend. We are praying for you and your family. May God give you strength and comfort.
 
Lion Larry Alman
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 9:46 AM

It is with deep regret that I heard the bad news about the passing of Lion Harold. He was a wonderful man and we will truly miss his presence in our meetings and in our projects. He was a very dedicated Lion and always made up meetings when he was unable to attend. We wish you well Eleanor and if there is anything we can help you with, please let us know. God bless you and your Family, Lion Larry
 
Dick and Jan Cantwell
Saturday March 29, 2008 at 9:30 AM

Dear Eleanor & Family, Julie phoned last night and told us of your very sad news for all of you and for all of Greenville. We are also shocked and saddended as it just seems too sudden and untimely. Doc, was so very important too our family not only as our Dentist but as a good friend and fellow Michigan fan. We were all so happy when he gave Julie her first job and we know how much she treasures him. We will be home the middle of April and will contribute to his memorial then. For now our prayers are with all of you. Love & Blessings Dick & Jan Cantwell
 
Bud & Carol Zayler
Friday March 28, 2008 at 10:11 PM

Dear Eleanor We were sorry to hear about Harold's passing. We are in Florida so are not able to come in person. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have always admired you and Harold. He was a great guy and he will be missed by all of us. We will be with you in thought.
 
Cameron T. Kortes
Friday March 28, 2008 at 9:16 PM

Dear Eleanor, I'm so sorry about the recent passing of Harold. He was one of the greatest men I have met and has made a profound impact in my life. Your doors, whether up north or back in Greenville, were always open to my family. I cannot put into words what I will miss about the man who helped influence me into the University of Michigan, pursue skiing, and open new doors to my possibly future profession. He will always be missed. -Cameron
 
Stephanie (Wheeler) Glysson
Friday March 28, 2008 at 8:07 PM

Chip and Rob... So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
 
Marge Wheeler
Friday March 28, 2008 at 7:59 PM

Dear Eleanor and children, So sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He was a man who loved his community and did much for all. It has been a privelege to have known Harold. He truly will be missed. Love to you all....Marge Wheeler and family.
 
Karl and Sue Frederiksen
Friday March 28, 2008 at 6:21 PM

 
Neil & Judie Schmachtenberger
Friday March 28, 2008 at 5:10 PM

Dear Eleanor and Family, We have so enjoyed all your family over the many years you have contributed so much to the well being of this community. We will dearly miss "Doc" and his friendly smile at the track meets and other locations in Greenville. Our sincere sympathy in your loss and ours, too. Neil and Judie Schmachtenberger
 
Deanna Kent Whitehead
Friday March 28, 2008 at 1:23 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It has been many years since I Seen Dr, Steele. I never have forgotten him or Mrs. Steele. Deanna
 
Joan Curtis burnell
Friday March 28, 2008 at 10:53 AM

sorry for your loss. we left Greenville many years ago. He was the best dentist our children ever had. our neighbor Mrs. lavery cleaned for the Steeles. many fond memories. the children would walk with a note and bring the bill home. wish life was still that simple
 
Ed Atanasoff
Friday March 28, 2008 at 6:40 AM

I had the pleasure of first meeting "Lion Harold" several months ago when I became a member of the Greenville Lions Club. He will be missed.
 
Rae Dewberry
Thursday March 27, 2008 at 11:43 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a wonderful man and a good friend to my entire family. He'll be missed. Hugs, Eleanor. I miss you.
 
Janet (Jones) Medler
Thursday March 27, 2008 at 4:31 PM

My deepest sympathy to Dr. Steele's family. I graduated with your son, Chip, and I also worked next door to Dr. Steele at Dr. Sorensen's office years ago. My prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time.
 







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