Darlene June (Krosschell) Steele came bursting into this world (curly red hair and wonderful curiosity) on June 2, 1933 in Edgerton Village, Minnesota – likely a home delivery. Her 3 older brothers Don, Marv, and Lesley and her younger sister Marlys have all predeceased her by many years. She just kept going!
She was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1951 of Edgerton High School, and then married Peter Steele. They were married for 52 years before Pete’s passing in 2004 and had 3 children: Shelley (Steele) Krispin, Brad Steele and Brian (Sandi) Steele. Darlene’s 6 wonderful grandchildren– Shalom Jacobs, Shane Jacobs, Jeremy Jacobs, Josh Steele, Emily (Steele) Shumway, and Andrew Steele have brought wonderful great-grandchildren into her life who likely yet have no idea how uniquely blessed they are to have had such a wonderful great grandmother lovingly known as “Oma.” She also has some wonderful nieces and nephews who have loved her dearly – and whom she loved dearly – so many, in fact, only a few are mentioned here: Elaine Hugunin, Donna Dietermann, Lesley Krosschell, Veryl Krosschell, and Konnie Offerdahl.
Darlene and Pete owned bakeries in Minnesota, South Dakota and in Phoenix, Payson, Pinetop, Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona. Pete was the talented baker and Darlene was the skilled businessperson. Darlene and Pete’s midwestern work ethic was always apparent to their children and grandchildren. Darlene was always the life of the party – and could make a party if only one other person showed up. She was always optimistic, independent and forever faith-filled. Her Christian commitment was apparent to all who knew her.
Darlene and some of her family visited Edgerton in November 2021 and she and some her high school friends celebrated their 70th class reunion. It was such a special time for her. She passed at home in Gilbert, AZ, with family whispering in her ears and holding her hands on Saturday June 18th, 2022. Lord have mercy – those who knew her will miss her!
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information
As her great granddaughter I miss her so much. I spent almost every weekend down in Phoenix with her. I hope she feels happy and safe in heaven.
I had the privilege of knowing sweet Darlene only several years but it didn’t take me long to discover what an absolutely delightful and loving person she was. Though she endured uncomfortable health issues I never, not once, heard a complaint from her or saw her in a bad mood. She was always pleasant, charming and loving. We will all miss her but I know all of heaven is rejoicing at her arrival!
The best of the best. My Auntie Dar was the greatest. Smart, witty, a lady of great Faith. Way fun to be with because she was ALWAYS in a good mood, happy to just be spending another day here in the world and enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Oma was awesome. I can only imagine the excitement when she arrived in Heaven. I’m sure they put on the coffee pot and then Grandma Mart could write about in the newspaper – Edgerton Enterprise!!! So, in all seriousness – I will miss her so much and loved spending time with her!! Her fav niece !!!!! Pinky
It was my greatest pleasure knowing Darlene! What a wonderful Christian lady. She shared with me at her recent birthday celebration that “she was ready to go” meaning she was ready to go live with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in her forever heavenly home. I do miss her dearly but look forward to meeting up with her in heaven some day. Save me a spot, Darlene!!
I met Darlene when so visited Hillegom in search of her family in Holland. I helped her as much as I could. After that we met again, just on the streets in Hillegom again.
She called herself Oma, a Dutch name.
Dear Darlene, it was a very nice to have met you and your family.