Milton Horace Steele passed away on March 7, 2012, at home surrounded by his family. Born Nov. 5, 1944 in Wenatchee, he was the oldest son of Ross and Zwaantje (Hiemstra) Steeler. He moved with his parents from Waterville to Chelan and then to Manson where he was raised on an apple orchard. He attended Manson schools where he graduated high school in 1963. He attended the University of Washington for two years before graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1969.
Milton and Patty (Brown) met as students at Palmer and were married on Dec. 28, 1967, in Waverly, IL. Together they chose to serve God in December of 1968. Milton practiced chiropractic in Chelan for eight years before moving to Whidbey Island in 1977 where he remained in practice until 2010.
In 1974, Nate came to them to start their journey as parents and Suzanne came in 1976 to complete their family. Milton’s love and devotion to his children is deeply felt and was openly demonstrated. He is fondly remembered for attending and videotaping Nate and Suzanne’s many games and gymnastics meets. Milton graciously welcomed Nate into the practice in 1999 and being a natural teacher helped guide him and other young doctors as they began their own practices.
Milton was a mentor and leader in many ways. Whether coaching Little League baseball or soccer, instructing interns from Palmer College on how to run a chiropractic office, to helping patients understand how their body worked, he loved to teach. He served on and presided over the Coupeville School Board and National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association Boards. He was a longtime member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association.
Milton is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Nate (Shantina) Steele of Coupeville and Suzanne (John) Hoole of Seattle; brother, Allen (Judy) Steele of Manson; sister, Marcia (Mark) Gores of Chelan; six grandchildren, Derek and Maylin Steele, Tyler and Sarah Potts, and Colson and Elliott Hoole; nieces Brijin Haycraft and Alicia (Mark) Lindholm; and nephews, Joe Jackson, Luke (Robin) Adams, Micheal and Darrick Steele and Matt Gores. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Melvin.
We remember Milton as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a playful nature, an easy smile and loved to laugh. His last words were, ”I’m doing good” and he always did. We love and miss you deeply.
A service to remember Milton’s life will be held Saturday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m, in Coupeville at the Coupeville High School Gymnasium (501 Main Street South, Coupeville WA 98239). There will be a finger food luncheon immediately following in the High School Commons. The committal will be observed at 4 p.m. after the luncheon.
Memorials may be made to Small Miracles, Coupeville Medical Support Fund, PO Box 912, Coupeville, WA 98239. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
