Obituary of Francis James Steele

FRANCIS JAMES STEELE Francis James Steele 87, of Duluth died Friday, Dec. 26, 2014 at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va. He was with his whole family surrounded with love-his wife Marilyn, his two sons Gregory and John, his daughter-in-law Helen and his two grandchildren Andrew and Jessica. Francis was born on April 3, 1927 in Hibbing, Minn., to Michael and Stella Mae (Cosgrove) Steele. He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1945. He enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Casco (AVP-12) a Seaplane tender for operations in the Philippines in the South Pacific until the end of World War II. Francis worked for Pickands Mather and Co., operators of Interlake Steamship Co. as an ore grader in Hibbing and Duluth. He was transferred to Interlake's corporate offices in Cleveland, Ohio. He worked in the ore traffic department for Interlake for 13 years. He returned to Duluth as a Manager of Vessel Operations and retired in Duluth after 37 years of service. He loved his work and the associations he made in the shipping industry. Francis married Marilyn Schirmer from Hibbing on April 10, 1948 in the Blessed Sacrament Church where he had served as an altar boy. He enjoyed skiing, golf and making models of old sailing ships. He had woodworking skills and helped build two homes and remodel three. Francis was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and enjoyed extended family gatherings. He was always there to help his friends and neighbors. He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady, Rotary Club No. 25 and Kitchi Gammi Club. He also was a member and past president of the Propeller Club and former associate member of the Twin Ports Lodge No. 12 International Ship Master's Association. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Stella; brother William and sister Mary Margaret. Francis is survived by his wife Marilyn of 66 years and sons Gregory of Duluth and John of Charlottesville, Va. and John's spouse Helen and their children Andrew of Charlottesville, Va., and Jessica of Nashville, Tenn., as well as many extended family members and friends. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 12 Noon on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary at 2801 East 4th Street, Duluth, with Father Peter Muhich as Celebrant. The Gathering will be held at 11 A.M. one hour prior to the Mass in the church social room (Tower entrance off of 4th St). In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Essentia Health Foundation, Westmoreland Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation c/o Rotary Club of Duluth 505 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. The arrangements provided by the Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200