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Wesley (Wes) Orlando Steele passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the age of 100, in the amazing care of Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan. Wes was born at home in Bear Lake, Michigan on August 22, 1923 to his parents Harvey and Viola Steele. The family then moved to Beulah where he grew up on Crystal Lake swimming, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Wes was a very kind man and will be deeply missed.
Wes was an Army veteran who served in WWII and spent several years in Iceland, the European Theater, and Japan. He was one of the thousands of service men who stormed Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, surviving the first wave landing. After his time in the Army, he became a union plumber and retired from that profession to enjoy family and the outdoors.
When he was not working, Wes had a passion for fishing the lakes and rivers of Northern Michigan, gun and bow hunting until the age of 90, and tending to his vegetable garden until the age of 95. People in the area say they either fished with Wes or he taught them the skill. In fact, he shared his secret fishing place with a close family friend just days before moving into Hospice. He loved Euchre, remembering every card played, often calling out anyone who misplayed.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and all six siblings: Amy, Richard, Josie, Harvey Jr., Duane, and Jerry. Wes is survived by his wife of 74 years, Opal, and his children Ron (Judi), Steve (Laurie), Simone, Melissa (Tom), Greg, and several grand and great grandchildren. Surviving are sisters-in-law Greta Steele and Betty Steele.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Munson Hospice House or Wounded Warriors. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Linwood Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 23rd. Family and friends are welcome to a celebration of life at the Interlochen Eagles on Saturday, August 24th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
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