Obituary of Daniel Steele

Daniel Steele, 70, of Dowagiac passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, at his home. On November 9, 1946, Dan was born to the late William and Levon (Boocher) Steele in Mishawaka, Indiana. Dan loved to fish and at a young age, his Grandpa Boocher taught him how to fish for Walleye at Hamlin Lake in Ludington - earning him the lifelong nickname of Walleye Dan. His passion for fishing continued his whole life. Immediately after graduating from high school Dan enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a See Bee in Vietnam and Guantanamo Bay and was a proud veteran. In 1984 Dan began a job at Fed Ex; this job quickly turned into a career that led him down many paths with the company. On July 5, 1996, Dan wed the woman who would turn his life around, Charlotte. Together they made a wonderful life, raised their children and eventually they both retired. Even though Dan retired he never sat idle. He decided he needed to get chickens and start a garden - earning him the new nickname Farmer Dan. He was also an exceptional writer and enjoyed writing parody songs. He could do anything he set his mind to including becoming a wonderful carpenter. His children always joked that he never went anywhere without a hammer. Later in life, he found a new joy when he had grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought him a new energy and were always keeping him on his toes, which he loved. They always wanted to sit at the table and play "grapes" with him. This consisted of the grandchildren throwing grapes and Dan catching them in his mouth - earning him one of his dearest nicknames - Grandpa Grape. Dan was preceded by his parents; sons, Adam Steele and Michael Suetkamp; and great-granddaughter, Adleigh Suetkamp. He is survived by his wife of nearly 21 years, Charlotte Steele of Dowagiac; children, Gregory (Ann) Suetkamp of Osceola, Indiana, Amy (Ray) Woodruff of Fredricksburg, Virginia, Andrea Steele of Big Pine Key, Florida; grandchildren, Holly (Jason) Bailey, Rebekah (Chris Jakubowicz) Suetkamp, Andrea (John Futa) Suetkamp, Gregory Suetkamp, Amanda Suetkamp, Bridgette (David Castaneda) Suetkamp, Josh Roth, Jason (Brittany Katz) Roth, Amberly Thomas, Adam Thomas, Ashlynne Thomas, Andrea Fricke, Jr., and Kenny Fricke, Jr.; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bill (Paulette) Steele of Granger, Marshall (Jennea) Steele of Indiana, Kenny (Terry) Steele of Indiana, and Tim (Donna) Steele of Mishawaka; his pup, Charlie; and several extended family and close friends. Services for Dan will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, located at 61453 M-51 in Niles, at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. A committal service will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors following Dan's memorial service.