Edna Jean Steele, 96, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, formerly of Galesburg, died at Anna’s Health Care in Sturgeon Bay on April 23, 2019.
She was born May 13, 1922, on a farm in Burns Township, Illinois, the daughter of Bert and Edna (German) Warner. She married Connie Andersen on December 31, 1941, in Kewanee. He preceded her in death July 14, 1966. She married Wilbur E. Steele on October 12, 1972, in Galva. He preceded her in death November 24, 1995.
She is survived by a son, Steven (Bernadette) Andersen of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin; a step son, Robert E. (Mattie Bell) Steele of Galesburg; two grandchildren, John Andersen and Kristen (Mike) Birschbach; and numerous step grandchildren; step great grandchildren; and step great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister.
Jean graduated from Cambridge High School in 1940 and the American Institute of Commerce in Davenport, Iowa in 1941. Soon after her marriage to Connie, she lived in various places along the East Coast, following his home port assignments as he served in the US Navy during World War II. They lived in Henderson for many years, where they co-owned Andersen Grocery & Hardware. She moved to Galesburg in 1968, where she met and married Wilbur Steele. They lived in Galesburg and Knoxville. Jean moved to Door County, Wisconsin in 2012, to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She was a member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church. Jean loved to read, and was a devoted grandmother.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family memorial service will be at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Burial will follow in the Henderson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Knoxville United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
