Frederick "Poppy" Steele

Frederick Alden "Poppy" Steele, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013, at the age of 79. He was born December 20, 1933, the son of Marion John Alden Steele and Regina Walker Steele.
Fred served in the Army for 3 years during the Korean Conflict and was honored to serve his country. Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all. He was always willing to help anyone who needed assistance. He loved his work at Immediate Care Clinic and more recently at Wal-Mart as a greeter in Rockford and was loved by all. He was heavily involved in service work for NA, at Rosecrance Detox and Outpatient, as well as the Winnebago County Jail. He cherished his involvement with the Recovery Conventions and his work at Sojourn House.
Fred's family and friends are extensive and he will be missed by all. Fred is survived byhis wife, Jane McGettigan Steele; his 3 daughters, Gail (Frankie) Simmons, Tracy Rohr, and Sophia Steele King; his son, Ronnie Green and the mothers of his children, Frances Waterford and Norva Steele. Fred is also survived by his brothers, Donald (Shirley), Ronald, Terry and Phillip and his sisters, Gertrude Joseph, and Melva Howze. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Jeffery (Ramone), Keyaira , Keja, Tiffany, Logan, Cameron, Paris, Ariel, Faron, Trinity, and his great-grandchildren, Adreienne, Jayden, Julian, Nikyah, and Antonio, and special mention to his many nieces and nephews.
Fred is preceded in death by his father and mother, stepmother, Minnie Johnson Steele; his brothers, Richard Steele and Kenneth Steele, and his niece, Debra Joseph. His laugh and smile will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, December 22, 2013, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm Saturday, December 21, 2013, at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.