Mr. Robert E. “Bob” Steele, 96, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 9:09 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
He was born November 21, 1928, in Galesburg to Wilbur E. and Mildred (Stone) Steele. He married Mattie Belle Breckenridge on August 27, 1950, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death after 65 years of marriage on August 9, 2015.
Surviving is one son, William E. (and Kim) Steele of Verona, Wisconsin, three daughters, Karen Rice of Galesburg, Linda Tkach of Galesburg, and Julie (and Don) Mettler of Gardner, Kansas, eight grandchildren Jason (and Laina) McClurg, Kristin Hunt, Lacie (and Matt) Griffin, Sean (and Melinda) Mettler, Scott (and Colleen) Mettler, Megan (and Shannon) O’Connor, Daniel (and Jess) Tkach, and Cory (and Amanda) Steele and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Belle, his parents, a sister, Paula J. Steele, and a grandson, Ryan Steele.
Bob graduated from Knoxville High School in 1946. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict for two years. He was the Operation’s Officer at First National Bank in Galesburg for 43 years. He retired on November 30, 1992. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg and the Little John Conservation Club in Victoria, Illinois. He enjoyed fishing and watching sporting events, especially the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. Bob also enjoyed doing yard work which included gardening at one time.
A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The funeral will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Rev. Deb Epley will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg with military rites by the Knox County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
