Charles Henry Steele

Charles "Chuck" Henry Steele, 85, of Manhattan, MT passed away on September 9, 2024 at his home. Chuck was born in Three Forks, MT on June 4, 1939, to Charles Henry Steele, Sr. and Kathleen (Hale) Steele. He was later adopted by Glenn and Allie Colegrove. Chuck grew up in Three Forks. As a young boy, he always had a job, whether that be a paper delivery boy, a pin monkey at the bowling alley, a laborer at the chicken factory, or a ranch hand. His most memorable job was working for Guy and Evelyn Warren on the CA haying crew.

Chuck worked in Trident at the cement plant, doing various tasks over the course of 37 years. He retired June 1, 2000. Chuck clearly had a good work ethic, which he later passed to his children and grandchildren. Chuck attended Three Forks School. In high school, he played center for the Wolves football team, and helped his team win the state title. He also ran track and field, excelling in distance running. He graduated in 1958.

Chuck married Katherine Gallagher on September 30, 1961, and they had eight children together. Chuck enjoyed hunting, canoeing, and packing with horses in the back country. His children remember him for being an exceptional pistol shot. He could accurately dispatch a gopher from a long distance, with a .22 pistol better than his children could with a rifle. Chuck was known by his family for his unique ability with animals. He had a calming presence with ill-mannered horses and mean dogs. He even captured, deodorized, and domesticated several skunks too. Chuck had a cowboy way of fixing things. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but could get the job done with welding rod and baling wire.

Chuck did his best to attend (and be heard) at most of his children's and grandchildren's extracurricular activities. Chuck was preceded in death by his sisters Virginia Lane and Kathy DeMers and brothers Bill, Joe, and Casey Bauer. Chuck is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Katherine Steele of Manhattan, MT; children Bill (Stacey) Steele of Ashton, ID; Barbie (Tom) Potter of Manhattan, MT; Jim (Shelee) Steele of Malta, MT; Glenn (Stacey) Steele of Valier, MT; Tom (Amanda) Steele of Libby, MT; Marie (Kurt) Griffis of Manhattan, MT; Donna (Lewis) Baeth of Manhattan, MT; Hial (Aura) Steele of Manhattan, MT; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers Ed and Dan Bauer and sister Sally Griffis.

The family would like to thank Stillwater Hospice for their kindness, compassion and care over the last several months. Memorials can be made to Stillwater Hospice at 233 Edelweiss Dr. Ste.11, Bozeman, MT 59718.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept 18, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at K and L Mortuary in Three Forks, MT. A funeral service will be held at K and L Mortuary at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, Sept 19. Interment will follow immediately after at the Meadow View Cemetery in Manhattan, MT. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be at held following the internment at the Potter residence at 2466 Yadon, Rd. Manhattan, MT.