Roger Steele

Roger Steele, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after ongoing health issues on May 23, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born in Minneapolis on July 24, 1937, to Leslie and Margaret Steele, Roger lived a life filled with laughter and witty humor, unwavering work ethic, and a passion for being outdoors. He graduated Columbia Heights High School in 1955, and married his high school sweetheart, Vernie Garner, on August 10, 1957. They enjoyed 67 years of wedded life raising their family, building and remodeling their family homes and hobby farms, crisscrossing the country on their many trips and adventures with friends.

Roger's professional career began in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked as an apprentice meat cutter at Merrick’s and learned the trade. In 1971, he and Vernie purchased Roger's Jack & Jill grocery store in Long Prairie, MN, which they operated together until 1982 after which they owned and operated a general and grocery store in Clara City until their retirement in 1999. Small town living in rural Minnesota suited Roger’s style and hobbies so well and endeared him to the community he served with his custom cuts, homemade sausages, elaborate fruit baskets, and more that your local grocer readily serves up.

Upon retirement Roger and Vernie moved full-time to their beloved lake home in Pequot Lakes, where Roger could be found spending countless hours tending to his lawn and garden, whether it was growing vibrant flowers or vegetables, fishing on the lake, or creating memories with family and friends through travels, parties, holidays, and his dogs Dudley and Molly. Roger was a devout Christian and an active member and volunteer of several churches throughout his life, most recently Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. In his younger years, Roger was also an avid bowler, achieving the impressive feat of bowling a perfect 300 game. In recognition of this accomplishment, he was awarded a gold watch and a bowling ball — mementos of a time when his skill on the lanes is still talked about today.

Roger’s spirit and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of his wife, Vernie; his children, Gayle (Jeff) Kazeck, David Steele, and Karen Steele; his grandchildren, Ryan (Julie) Kazeck, Megan (Luke) Truenow, Skylar Wallace, and Flynn Wallace; and his great- grandchildren, Bryant, Brynnlee, Brooklyn, and Alison. Roger will be remembered as a man who valued family above all else, who found peace in nature, and whose laughter and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 a.m. preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.