Uncle Jeff will always be special to me because as a child growing up in the Steele family, we spent a lot of time at uncle Jeff’s house. He welcomed everyone for every cookout, birthday party or just because. The door was truly always open. I learned a lot about music & the Steele family humor being at his house. And, I spent a lot of time with all my cousins at his house & those are some of my most cherished childhood memories. He really knew how to get every one together & I’ll always feel so grateful for that. 🫶🏻 Rest easy, uncle Jeff🪽💙

There are no word's i can say Jeff was a big part of our lives growing up from spending time in the woods of the Heights, ride ourvikes in the mosquito fog ,getting in trouble in high school and working at Mr.Steak we became distant for year bad on bothour parts but tou will forever be a grear friend and i will miss you (bealey)(bealey) never could out shotgun me brother love ya man

Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of this great man who was a huge part of my childhood.

In Care, 
Nichole Adkison

When I was in the Army, I would tell the younger Soldiers what it was like growing up with no cell phones, internet, or computers. The Soldiers asked what I did without such necessities that we now take for granted. Id tell them we had bikes, BB guns, cigarettes, and matches. Id talk about spending time in the woods in Marquette Heights and building fires to sit around and talk about whatever was going on in our lives. Jeff was part of my childhood with fond memories of what we did as kids.

I remember one time when me and David went to our favorite part of the old Caterpillar Proving Grounds and follow a trail into the woods at the end of Lasalle Boulevard in Marquette Heights. 

We went to our regular fire making spot underneath this very old tree and get the fire going.

Some time later, Jeff came down the trail high on the ridge to meet up with us and he would yell the Lakota Sioux phrase "Hoka Hey, today is a good day to die!" I guess Jeff had just watched the movie about General Custer and his defeat at the Battle of Bighorn, I dunno, but the phrase was correct with what Crazy Horse supposedly said before going into battle against the 7th US Cavalry on 25 June 1876. I still laugh with I think about Jeff yelling those words high on the ridge.

Jeff was a great friend and I would see him whenever I was in town  on leave, however, it's been years since I been home to Illinois. 

I learned a lot of interesting sayings from Jeff and David, things like the "Future People family" the "Deckers", and the song "Na, Na, Na, mini wheats". It was an insult to be called Decker and word Id use throughout my military career. and to this very day. My Soldiers would call each other a Decker. If you grew up with Jeff, you'll understand what Im talking about.

Jeff, you will be sorely missed and I feel for your families loss. The memories will always be with me.

If there's an afterlife, I hope you are somewhere beautiful with your mom and dad.

See you on the other side.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember him growing up in Marquette heights! A classmate!

OBITUARY

Jeffery Scott Steele

July 5, 1963 – August 8, 2026

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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