James W. Steele 1880-1957

RYAN, STEELE, BROMELKAMP

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 2/17/2005 at 20:50:55

Funeral services were held Friday, March 22, 1957 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Bridget's Catholic Church for James W. Steele, 77, long-time Postville resident and former businessman, who passed away at his home on March 20 following a lingering illness. The Rev. F. J. Vallaster officiated at the service. The Right Rev. Msgr. V. J. Peters of Ossian and the Rev. R. A. Schares of Cresco were present in the sanctuary. Interment was in St. Peter's cemetery at Clermont.

James W. Steele, the son of Joseph and Margaret Ryan Steele, was born January 2, 1880 at the Steele farm one and one-half miles east of Postville in Post township. Mr. Steele died at his home in Postville March 20, the last survivor of a family of 13 children. He was educated in the country school in Post township and remained on the home farm until he was 28. He then left for South Dakota and farmed with his brother, John, returning to Postville in 1911 where he married Frances Bromelkamp at Monona in April, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Steele then moved to Postville where they purchased the restaurant business of August Kluss, located on Koevenig's corner. They operated the cafe there for five years then moved to the corner now occupied by Nyberg's store. They retired in 1932 and sold their business to F. D. Rounds.

Besides his business activities, Mr. Steele was appointed to the board of education of the Postville school in 1924 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of B. C. Fleming. He served for 12 years as a member of the board. A member of St. Bridget's Church, he served as a trustee for many years. While he held no office with the Big-Four Fair, he maintained an active interest in the association helping in many ways.

Mr. Steele was preceded in death by his wife in August, 1945. He is survived by one son, Joseph B. Steele of Postville, and one granddaughter, Marilyn.

Postville Herald-Leader - contributed by Mary Durr