Bruce D. Steele

Bruce passed away peacefully in his sleep, Monday, March 24, 2025, after a busy Sunday out visiting with his family and friends. 

He was born on December 8, 1929, the son of Howard and Theo (Lytle) Steele. Bruce started his career in construction and carpentry, but his greatest lifelong passion was farming, even helping with the harvest last fall. He owned and operated a dairy and crop farm for many years. Bruce once said, “I was a dairy farmer, but with my children and their families I could have been a produce farmer”. In 1993 he was inducted into the Michigan Farmer’s Hall of Fame. 

He enjoyed collecting antique tractors, going to tractor shows and woodworking. Bruce was community driven and was a volunteer fireman for Cooper Township Fire Department, Gun Plain Township Trustee and was on the Plainwell School Board for 14 years. In 1950 he married Mary Lou Hoyt who passed away in 2018. 

Surviving are his children, Douglas (Christina) Steele of Otsego, Diana (Keeler) Thompson of California, David Steele of Plainwell and Deborah (Steven) Cook of Florida; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Donna) Steele of Plainwell along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; great-granddaughter, Kinsleigh and siblings, Norean, Nina and Robert.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. 

Friends may visit with Bruce’s family starting at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Otsego Church of God, until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Stephen Burrow and Pastor Greg Carlson officiating. 

Private family burial of ashes will take place at Hillside Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Bruce may be directed to Wings of Hope Hospice or Otsego Church of God. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.