Donald Reuben Steele

Donald “Don” Reuben Steele, age 69, of Thornton, IL, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025. Beloved husband of Gayle Steele, nee Tatgenhorst. Loving father of Megan (John) Nicholson, Sean Steele, and Derek Steele. Proud grandfather of Jorie (Jason) Witcher, Dakoda Steele, Savanna Steele, Kennedy Nicholson, Wesley Nicholson, and Wyatt Nicholson. Great-grandfather of Aubrianna Witcher and Zeppelin Witcher. Dear brother of Karen (Rod) Householder, Susan Steele, Hillary Steele, late Gregory (Lucy) Steele, and Ronald Steele. Brother-in-law of Judy (Jason) Gay, Joan (Louis) Pasquesi, Guy Tatgenhorst. Beloved extended family member of Jessica and Greg Ortiz and family. Uncle to several precious nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Reuben Steele and JoAnne (Keene) Quick and step-father Randy Quick. From the beginning, Don had a knack for being in charge. From being the oldest of his siblings to becoming Vice President of Bank One Financial Services, to being President and CEO of several of his own companies. Don had a heart for serving others through his leadership. At the age of 17, Don joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He traveled on the USS Denver LPD 9 which took him to several places along the South China Sea. He met the love of his life, Gayle Tatgenhorst, when he asked her to dance one Friday night in June of 1981. On November 6, 1982, Don and Gayle married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thornton, IL. Gayle and Don lived in several communities over their 42 wonderful years of marriage, one of those being Zionville, IN. There, Don was a member of Advent Lutheran Church. Don enjoyed serving on many committees at Advent and had fond memories of his time there. Don’s happiest memories involved his family. He was always going out of his way to entertain and bring joy to those he loved. Don enjoyed family trips to places like Florida and the Wisconsin Dells with his beloved grandkids, nieces, and nephews. He anticipated every opportunity to visit Logansport, IN to be with his littlest grandchildren at the farm and the chance to make memories over dinner with his big grandkids. Don loved making others smile and laugh. He will forever be remembered as Uncle Ding Dong and our beloved Papa Don. Though his later years were filled with suffering and pain, Don felt the grace and mercy of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and had the hope of Heaven. Because of this, his family looks forward to the day that they are together in paradise and finds comfort knowing Don is fully healed in the arms of Jesus. A Celebration of Life will be held for close friends and family at a later date. Donations in memory of Don can be made to Advent Lutheran Church of Zionsville, IN, Grace Lutheran Church of Western Springs, IL, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com