Otis Steele

Otis Elbert Steele, age 86, of Pingree, ND, formerly of Jud, ND, died on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at his farm near Pingree.

Otis was born on the family farm near Jud on December 17, 1922, the son of Fred and Virgie (Kimmons) Steele. He left home to attend high school in Edgeley, 24 miles from the farm, returning home on the weekends. After graduating from high school, Otis went on to study briefly at NDSU before returning home to help on the farm during the war. Otis spent the next 50-plus years farming, first at the family farm near Jud, and later at his farm near Pingree, which he purchased in 1968.

Otis was a man before his time. He was a natural health aficionado long before it became popular. He ground his own flax meal and used natural remedies to cure the few ailments that afflicted him over the years. He was an avid reader and deep thinker who loved to philosophize and discuss ideas. He loved nature and gardening, and even after he retired from farming, he spent much of his time outdoors nurturing his trees, shrubs, berries, tomatoes, and other plants. He planted shelter belts to provide a home for wildlife and to protect the soil, and he cared deeply about the birds, lamenting that some of his favorite species were disappearing. He was admired for his impeccable yard and garden and for the large, sweet strawberries that he enjoyed sharing with his neighbors. Otis was also a talented letter writer whose entertaining letters were eagerly awaited by family and friends. Otis’ other favorite pastimes were debating politics, researching on the Internet, and traveling to Texas during the winter months.

Otis is survived by sister-in-law, Grace Steele of Jamestown, ND; nephews and niece, Brian Steele of Jamestown, ND; Rick (Kathy) Steele of Hunter, ND; Randall Halverson of Indianapolis, IN; Jason (Rosa) Halverson of San Antonio, TX; and Andrea (Richard) Sit of Shorewood, MN; great nieces, Leann, Katie, and Chandra Steele of Hunter, ND; Jessica and Sarah Halverson of San Antonio, TX; and Karalee and Claudia Sit of Shorewood, MN; and cousins, Donald Steele of San Diego, CA; Edward Leech of Plymouth, MN; and Elizabeth Aust of Glendale, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Duane Steele of Jud, ND; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Myrl (Steele) and Andrew Halverson of Brookings, SD.

Memorials are preferred to Alfred Dickey Public Library, 105 3rd Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401.