Steele

  "Bud" Steele, son of Earl and Nona Steele, was born June 17, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa. The day Bud was born his mother was frying a skillet of potatoes when the labor pains started and she went to an upstairs bedroom. The gas stove blew up and started a fire in the house. Earl carried her downstairs and took her to the neighbor's house. Bud was born while the fire was being fought. In 1940, a farm was bought southeast of Woodburn on White Breast Creek. Here Bud enjoyed hunting and horseback riding with the Otto boys. Most of the farm work was done with horses and mostly, mules.

   Bud and sister, Frances, walked the two miles to Red Wing school. Wilma Carson was their teacher and drove them home occasionally. They carried their lunch in brown sacks, and on different days families would alternate bringing canned soup or maybe a pot of beans. When walking across the meadows to school, Mrs. Edna Heldt would have cookies and milk for them. When he was in the 8th grade, Bud's family moved to Woodburn. Earl bought the Woodburn Garage. Later Cora and Nona put a restaurant in the front. Bud enjoyed serving after basketball games. He learned the mechanical skills in the garage, which he later used in the implement business. Around four years later, they moved to a farm they bought south of Woodburn from Orville Gardner. After graduating from Woodburn High School in 1948, Bud attended Simpson College and got his teacher's certificate.

   Bud married Gloria Jean Marquis on July 23, 1950, in her parents‟ living room at Woodburn. Gloria was born on February 26, 1932, at Weldon, Iowa, the daughter of Gurnea and Lowa (DeMoss) Marquis. Gloria also attended Woodburn school, graduating in 1950. She enjoyed playing basketball and softball. Many hours were spent sleigh riding and enjoying Pete Boor‟s bobsled. Gloria looked forward to the dances that were held in the gym and bottom of the Masonic Hall. Many movies were also enjoyed under the stars in front of the bandstand.

   Bud taught school and owned and operated the Massey Ferguson Implement store. He also had his own real estate brokerage before retiring. Bud and Gloria worked ten years managing elderly complexes. Gloria involved her life around her daughters and being a good wife. Through Gloria‟s life she has been active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   Bud and Gloria have lived in Osceola and currently live in Leon, Iowa.   Their children are Christine Marie [McDonald] and Cynthia Jean [Parmer].