Kenneth A. Steele

September 13, 1947 - January 12, 2022

Kenneth A. Steele, 74, of Morris, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. IL after a tragic accident he suffered at home. His loving family was by his side. Born September 13, 1947 in Morris, he was the son of Alfred and Marian (Kay) Steele. He graduated from Morris Community High School with the class of 1965. After high school he worked for the Federal Paper Mill until its closing. Afterwards, he worked for Stepan Chemicals in Elwood, IL until his retirement in 2012. He married the love of his life, Gayle (Sterritt) on February 14, 1971. They were partners in life for nearly 51 years. They remained lifelong residents of Morris, IL where they raised a family. Kenneth enjoyed dancing, camping, playing cards and working with his hands. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren, always in attendance at their numerous events. He enjoyed quiet evenings at home with his beer and popcorn by his side. He is survived by his loving wife, Gayle, his children: Scott (Lisa) Steele from Chicago, Heather (Bryan) Thouvenin of Morris, and Keegan (Lisa) Steele of Morris: his grandchildren, Ryley, Levi, Ian and Noah Steele, Tony and Olivia Saenz, Aidan Thouvenin, Layla and Elora Steele, and Keegan and Kaiden Hall: his sister, Marlene (Gene) Hendricks of Pocatello, ID.; his brother-in-law, Tim Sterritt of Morris; his sister-in-law Nancy Aldrich of Morris and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Marian Steele and his nephew, Brian Hendricks. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge no. 986. Memorials may be directed to Foundation for ichthyosis and Related Skin Types or the First Christian Church. Private funeral services will be held Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris with Pastor Michael Reagan officiating. For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com.