Darrel W. Steele, Sr., 96

Darrel Wayne Steele Sr. was born February 3, 1929, to Eugene K. Steele, Sr. and Rose Leahl (Booth) Steele of Ainsworth. He attended rural district #53 school through the eighth grade and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1948.

While growing u p, h e, a long with o ther f amily members, provided music for many local dances.

Darrel married Ruth Ann Estabrook on June 10, 1956, and to this union two children, Darrel Jr. and Ann were born.

Darrel enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Korean War. He was active in the Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion, and with the Brown County Historical Society.

Darrel followed in his father’s footsteps as an interior/exterior painter and later, with his wife, operated a dairy farm on their ranch south of Ainsworth until his retirement.

Darrel passed away December 18, 2025, at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth at the age of 96 years, 10 months and 15 days.

Darrel i s s urvived b y his w ife R uth A nn; s on, D arrel W. S teele J r.; daughter Ann (Steele) Pfeiffer; grandchildren Erin (Nick) Wawrzynkiewicz and Austin (Erica) Pfeiffer; great-grandchildren Harper, Barrett and Nellie; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service was held on Wednesday, February 18, in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Ann Pfeiffer read the obituary. Organizational rites were conducted by Bethany Chapter #113 Order of the Eastern Star, Silver Cord Lodge #224 AF & AM, and Ainsworth American Legion Post #79. Dan Woods gave the benediction. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.