Arthur William Steere, born on January 1, 1939, to his parents Ernest and Augusta Fick-Steere, who were of German heritage. He passed away August 23, 2023, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota at the age of 84 years. Arthur was baptized at the Vilmar Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa.
He completed up to 8th grade at Coldwater Country School and graduated from Greene High School Class of 1956. Arthur continued his education and pursued a business degree at Mankato Community College after which he was employed in the office at Rochester Dairy in Rochester, MN.
On May 17, 1959, Art married LeAnn Jackels at the Amo Methodist Church in rural Storden, MN. The couple’s love story began on a blind date during their high school years.
In October 1960, Art enlisted in the United States Army for a three-year term. After completing basic training at Fort Riley, KS, he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA, where he attended Refrigeration and Air Conditioning School and graduated top of his class. His skills led to his assignment as an Instructor Officer in Charge, a role he fulfilled until his honorable discharge in October 1963.
Following his military service, Arthur returned to the rural area of Windom/Storden, MN. He dedicated the next 40 years of his life to farming in Cottonwood County, where he also established a successful farrow-to-finish pork operation along with farming. He was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Storden, where he often served as chairman and church council member.
His dedication to his family was unwavering as he and LeAnn raised their three children: Spencer, Nathan, and Darci. He was supportive in all their endeavors in church, sports, 4-H, horse, and pig shows. He played a crucial role in helping them embark on their life journeys. He instilled in them a robust work ethic, fostering a deep appreciation for both family and friends. He generously offered his assistance in building his children’s homes, countless moves, and creating lasting memories together. It was very special to him to spend time with his beloved grand-darlings, witnessing their growth and sharing in their adventures. Art’s legacy of love, guidance and shared moments will forever resonate within his family.
He always found time to be involved with the Cottonwood County Pork Producers, Amo Township Board of Directors, Minn-Tex Fruit packing, the Llama neighbors “Llamasine” business, and the Thursday coffee group. He also enjoyed building their farmhouse and building numerous treasures in his workshop for family and friends.
Arthur William Steere’s legacy is one of dedication, service, and love. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a caring father, and a diligent farmer in his community.
He was preceded in death by his son, Spencer Steere; parents, Ernest and Augusta Fick-Steere; one brother and wife, Herbert and Viola Steere; two sisters and husbands, Gladys and John Junker, Ruth and Lawrence Smith; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Cletus and Mary Lou Jackels; as well as nieces and nephews.
Art is survived by his loving wife LeAnn of Windom; their children and grandchildren, Peggy Steere of Houston, TX (Alexa and Tyson), Nathan and Tonya Steere of Austin, TX (Sydney, Londyn and Samuel), Darci and Todd Wash of Jacksonville, FL (Alyssa, Jenae and Marcus); and nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service was held August 28, 2023, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom, with Pastor Paul Sajban officiating. Burial was in Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in rural Storden, MN, with military honors provided by Herbert Reese American Legion Post #391 of Storden, MN.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Condolences and memories of Art may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
