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August 17, 2003ObituariesEarle Steele, beloved husband, adoring father, treasured grandfather, "Great" grandfather and lifelong friend, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2003.Born on March 14, 1914, in Farmington Hills, Mich., he was the son of Edgar and Mamie (Payne) Steele and the brother to Harold Steele and Hazel Sewell, all who preceded him in death. Earle came to Traverse City in March 1922 when his father accepted the position of grounds-keeper at the Traverse City State Hospital. As a 9-year-old he thrived on exploring the hospital, its grounds and getting to know the patients. He worked side-by-side with his father and in 1934 began his own employment with the hospital. He spent the next 49½ years in the hospital's employ and took pride in the fact that he and his father had between the two of them planted the majestic trees that now cover the hospital grounds. In October 1998 The Traverse City Garden Club honored him by planting a tree on the hospital grounds. He knew all of the superintendents beginning with Dr. James D. Munson. At the time of his retirement as Superintendent of Grounds in 1984 he was honored both locally and at the State Capitol in Lansing by Gov. James Blanchard for his service and contributions to the hospital. He was instrumental in establishing the Hospital Museum where he was active until the hospital closed in 1989. With the closure of the hospital, he began to record his memories of the hospital and, in February 2001, he and his granddaughter, Kristen Hains, published his memoirs, "Beauty is Therapy: Memories of the Traverse City State Hospital." The book was on the regional best-seller list for nearly a year. Earle supported the efforts to preserve Building 50 and the hospital grounds and with the recent renovation projects he had seen the beginnings of a vision he had hoped for. On June 30, 1940, he married the former Marion Mead, who survives. In 63 years they shared many good times, including wonderful vacations, fresh-cut flowers and handmade anniversary cards. He was an avid fisherman, enthusiastic golfer and cross-country skier. Earle had been a member of The Traverse City Golf and Country Club for over 30 years and a member of the First Congregational Church since 1928. Together they had two children. One of Earle's fondest memories was being scoutmaster for son Ron's Boy Scout Troop 30 from Boardman School, when the troop won the 1953 citywide Klondike Derby. In addition to his son Ronald (Sally) Steele of Cedar Springs, he is also survived by a daughter, Marilyn (Joseph) Haines of Traverse City. In addition to his own children, he was loved and admired by his "special daughters" Diane (James) Wilson and Mary Jane (Thomas) Morgan, and his "special son," Peter (Karen) Strom. His grandchildren, who will remember him for badminton tournaments, trips to Baskin-Robbins in the convertible and cross-country motor home trips are Brian Steele and Lori Hall Steele (and their son, Jackson), Michael (Karen) Steele (Seth, Lucas and Lindsey), Douglas (Pam) Steele (Sydney and Alexandria), Todd Steele, Melissa (Donald) Crowell (Zacariah, Noah and JJ), Kristen Hains (and her son, Nicholas), Suzann Hains (Timothy and Corbin), Robert Haines and Catherine (Stephen) Towers (Taylor, Madison and Christian). Additionally he is survived by his brother-in-law, Dorr Mead of Naples, Fla., and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at First Congregational Church. A special thanks from the family goes to Munson Hospice and especially Beth Nussdorfer. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Music Ministry at The First Congregational Church. KENNETH J. COURTAD, age 86, of Traverse City died Saturday morning, Aug. 16, 2003, at Munson Medical Center. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. CRAIG JOSEPH MILLARD, 27, of Houghton, formerly of Northport, died Friday, Aug. 15, in Houghton. Arrangements are pending at Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.
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