Leroy Arlie Steele, 94
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 27 minutes AGO
Leroy Arlie Steele, 94, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026.
Leroy was born Jan. 25, 1932, in Lewistown to Arlie and Irene Steele. He grew up in Montana alongside his siblings Donald, Arlene and Evelyn. He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1950 and entered the service in 1951, where he proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War.
In 1956, Leroy married Mary Edith Fifield and together they welcomed four children: Debra, Cindy, Steven and Doris. In 1976, he married Mary "Liz" Elizabeth, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage until her passing in 2023. He became stepfather to Marilyn, Wendy, Tami, Cheri, Robin, Scott and Kim.
Leroy spent most of his working years as the fleet mechanic for Eddy’s Bakery until his retirement. Outside of work, he loved camping, hunting, and was an exceptional gardener. He was always fixing cars, mowers and small engines and had a few antique cars. He did not have idle hands; there was always something to be done. He was also a quiet man, a man of few words but his smiles would say it all.
Leroy spent much of his life in Missoula. Later, he spent 20-plus years in Polson overlooking Flathead Lake and his final years in Seeley Lake. His quiet, steady, strong presence will be greatly missed. He is now with Jesus and those he loved who left before.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents Arlie and Irene Steele, his wife Mary "Liz" Elizabeth Steele, his children Steven Leroy Steele and Debra Kay Hobson, his stepchildren Robin Uhde and Tami Uhde, his brother Donald Steele, and sister Evelyn Poindexter.
He is survived by his daughters Cindy Steele (David), Doris Skiles (Bob); stepchildren Marilyn Hill, Wendy Nelson (Jens), Scott Uhde, Kim Udhe, Cheri Tressel (Richard); his sister Arlene Moore; many nieces and nephews and too many grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren to mention by name.
A military honors service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 at Western Montana Veterans Cemetery located at 1911 Tower St., Missoula, followed by the spreading of Leroy and Liz’s ashes at Bass Creek Campground in Stevensville. All are welcome.
