William "Bill" Steele

On Saturday, November 27th, 2021, at Schneidmiller Hospice House, William “Bill” Richard Steele, age 84, passed away peacefully, going to the Lord, holding the hand of his loving wife Lianne. Bill was born July 29, 1937 in Sandpoint, ID to the late William Steele Sr and Grace Bourke. He was the only boy with three sisters, June, Shirley and Bonnie.

Bill left home at an early age, on a journey to better himself, exploring travel and a wide-range of employment opportunities which included farming, truck driving, and public service work as a fireman and police officer. He served in the U.S. Army from May 1956 to September 1959. After leaving the army he went on to have a long and successful career, spanning 25 years, at the Sunshine Mine in northern Idaho. He worked for many years as the hiring agent and retired as the Superintendent of the Antimonty plant. While at the mine, he developed many friendships. In 1972 a fire took the lives of 91 men. Bill was fortunate to have a position above ground. Due to Bill’s position and relationships with the men, he was able to assist the FBI with the aftermath of the fire. This disaster and loss stayed with him for the rest of his life.

On November 9, 1961 Bill married the love of his life, Judith Lianne Steele. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together, a milestone he was very proud of. He was a wonderful father to their only child, Lori. Once his granddaughters Desiree and Shanalee were born, he played a special role in their lives. He also had three great-grandchildren, Victoria, Samantha, and Jace, that were fortunate to share many years with him. Bill was a true family man and took care of his family, which was mostly girls. He was raised with three sisters, married his wife, had a daughter, two granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters. He was thrilled to welcome his great-grandson to the family.

Bill was a jack of all trades. He had knowledge in many areas and could fix and build just about anything. He had a love of classic cars and he and Lianne spent many years in a car club where they traveled and showed their beautiful cars. Anyone that knew Bill knew that he took pride in keeping a tidy home and beautifully landscaped yard.

There many memories to be cherished and he will forever be in the hearts of his loving family, friends and four legged companion Alfie.

Bill’s family is planning a celebration of life memorial to take place in the Spring or Summer of 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Bill be made to Kootenai Humane Society or Schneidmiller Hospice House.