Dennis Eugene “Denny” Steele, 78, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Denny was born May 3, 1945, in Normal, Illinois, the son of Leon and Ruth (Holbert) Steele.

He married Linda Warnock on Sept. 2, 1972, in Centralia, Illinois. In addition to his wife, Denny is survived by two children, Angela (Scott Edenfield), of Oak Park, Illinois, and Benjamin (Jennifer) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Elise and Ian Steele Edenfield; and his sister, Nancy Steele Brokaw of Bloomington. Denny is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Steele.

Denny believed in education: Graduating from University High School, Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University.

He believed in giving of himself: Serving in the Army, becoming a proud member of Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington, volunteering at the Western Avenue Community Center and elsewhere, and participating as a board member at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and other places.

Denny believed in hard work: Starting at Funk’s Seeds and staying for over three decades through many company changes.

He believed in following his passions, like woodworking, books and golf. Above all, Denny believed in being a loyal friend and family member, putting everything aside to help anyone.

His visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, 1115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at Second Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Prairie St., Bloomington.

His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Second Presbyterian Church, with military rites accorded at the end of the service by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. The Rev. Trey Haddon will officiate.

A private family graveside service will be at Funk’s Grove Cemetery, McLean, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701.