Marion Octavia Steele

Memorials to United Faith Community Church Marion Octavia (Olson) Steele was born on October 15, 1916 in Stromsburg, NE. She grew up on a farm and graduated from High school in Polk, NE. Marion had fond memories of the farm, her big and loving family, and the gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Especially fun, was the harvest time and the thrasher picnics with all the neighbors. After graduating, Marion left Polk, NE. She wanted to be with her sister June in Valley, NE. There she joined the Baptist Church, and there she met Earl Steele. They were married on October 31, 1937, she having just turned 21. After Earl graduated from Midland College in Fremont, they traveled around many parts of the US with Earl’s different job opportunities. Marion was Earl’s devoted wife, making a home where ever they were, from California, Oklahoma City and Texas, where son, Alan was born in 1947. From there, they moved to several other locations in Texas and then in 1953 to Omaha, NE where daughter, Karen was born in 1954. In 1955, the family moved to Lima, Ohio and remained there until both Earl and Marion retired in 1975. While in Ohio, Marion worked at the local school in the cafeteria. After retiring, Earl and Marion moved to Florida for the Winter months, and then spent summers in Ohio and Nebraska. They enjoyed traveling and saw every state in the US (except for Alaska). They traveled to Korea in 1976 for an extended time where Earl helped build and start a chemical plant. In 1987, they enjoyed a trip to Europe. They were planning a trip to Alaska, when Earl suddenly passed away in 2001, at the age of 88. Earl and Marion celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries in Valley, NE with many friends and family in attendance. They remained active and enjoyed playing golf. Marion was a very good golfer and she won several tournaments with several trophies to prove it! She still played a few holes at the age of 100, and did very well. Always a strong and independent woman, Marion continued to live her life in Florida, and traveling several times to Valley to visit with her sister June. June passed in 2006 at the age of 98. From there, Marion continued living independently until the age of 101, when in April of 2018 medical issues took that independence. Marion died peacefully on August 5, 2018. Even after Earl and June died, Marion’s family made sure she continued to travel with cruises and other trips. There was a 15-day trip to Alaska, and trips out West and around Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri. Marion was always ready to go, and in fact, still had her driver’s license and drove her car at the age of 101. She actually drove very well! Marion and Earl lived very full and happy lives. They always felt a strong bond to Nebraska and particularly the Platte and the homestead. Valley was home and family and friends were very important to them. Marion was always proud to be that girl from the farmland of Nebraska and her Swedish heritage. She was the devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Above all, she was a woman of extremely strong faith and throughout her life, she walked with God. Her faith was real. To describe Marion is to say that she loved everyone; everyone was her friend, and she was a true inspiration to all. To her family, she is Mom and she will be missed, but they are comforted to know she is with God, Dad, and all of her family. Steele, Marion Octavia age 101 of Deland, FL October 15, 1916 – August 5, 2018 Born in Stromsburg, NE to Ernest Olson and Emma Samuelson; Preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Earl Steele; brother Les Olson, sister June Egbert and orphan train brother Virgil Olson; Survived by son Alan (Nancy) Steele of The Villages, FL and daughter Karen Cavins of Deltona, FL; 4 grandchildren Chad (Jill) Steele and Matt (Danette) Steele both of Westerville, OH; Zach (Erica) Cavins and Suzannah (Nick) Seibert of North Port, FL; 8 great grandchildren; Visitation Thursday 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home; Funeral Friday 10:30 AM at United Faith Community Church in Valley; Interment Valley Cemetery; Memorials to the church; Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Marion Octavia Steele

October 15, 1916 - August 5, 2018