Roger David Steele

Roger David Steele, a longtime Langley resident, passed away Feb. 28, 2015, while fighting his battle against cancer with his wife of 59 years, Marlene Steele, at his side. Roger was born in Knox County, Ill., March 12, 1930, and was the youngest of five children born to William and Eva Steele. Roger’s family moved to Langley in 1941, and he graduated from Langley High School in 1948.

After serving his country during the Korean War, Roger married the love of his life, Marlene Beatrice Braathen. He became one of the longest-tenured loggers on South Whidbey, partnering with Paul Furman and logging everything he could from Island and Snohomish counties. Roger and Marlene had five beautiful daughters, Amy Jenkins (Harry), Jeanie Piontek (George), Diana Gadek (Jerry), Lori Jackson (Dave) and Linda Steele. Roger and Marlene also had 11 grandchildren, Chantil Jenkins, Nicole O’Brien, Geoffrey Piontek, Lisa Piontek, Jessica Frank, Jason Gadek (Danielle), Amanda Thompson, David Tegano, Melissa Mather, Reagan Fitzke and Ryan Fitzke, and four great-grandchildren, Dalton and Jameson Gadek and Dominic and Jamie Thompson.

Roger enjoyed playing golf for decades at Useless Bay, his Mariners and Seahawks, and traveling throughout the United States. He loved the casino in Anacortes and his many, many friends and relatives.

Roger was preceded in death by his brothers, Chuck and Billy Steele; his sister, Alice Furman; brothers-in-law, Omer Porter and Paul Furman; and sister-in-law, Marion Miller. Roger is survived by his wife, Marlene; his five daughters and their families; his sister, Jean Porter; and his brother-in-law, Dave Braathen (Toby).

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Visser Funeral Home in Langley.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the House of Hope in Langley or the local charity of your choice.