Merrell D. "Tink" Steele
February 04, 2014
Merrell Steele, 83, was born July 6, 1930 in Corning, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Iola Steele. He passed away February 4, 2014 Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.
Merrell received the nickname “Tink” because he was always tinkering around and creating things. He was awarded the Golden Hammer Award for building a Travel Trailer in the 1950’s and had several patents for his many inventions.
Tink owned and operated Tink’s Hitch since 1956, and was a member of North Field Flying Club. He enjoyed camping, flying, motorcycle riding and listening to Blue Grass music. Tink spent numerous winters in Mission, Texas where he made many lifelong friends.
Tink is survived by his children, Linda Steele; David, Danny (Linda), Dale, and Doug (Kara) Steele; mother of the children, Ethel Steele; five grandchildren, Melissa (Russ) Tobias, Marcella Hokanson, Jason (Lacey) Steele, Logan and Bailey Steele; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Hokanson, Jaiden and Tinley Steele; his companion, Judy Farrell; sister, Arleta Voyce; brother, Bob Steele; as well as many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheryl Steele, and two brothers, Roy and Lowell Steele.
The family would like to thank the staff at Taylor House for their care and compassion.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice in loving memory of Tink.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Howard and Hazel Owen
02/27/2014
So sorry to for your loss of a very special person. Tink was truly and amazing man. He will be missed by both his family and his friends. We are glad that he passed thru our lives.
John Gurwell
02/13/2014
Linda and family. Very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family
Elma Nicol Rabe
02/07/2014
Sorry for your loss of your Dad and sending prayers for your Family ,may GOD Bless you all! He was a sweet man and had a big Heart ,he will be missed! Hugs to Dave!
John Paul Muelhaupt
02/07/2014
Dale, I am sorry for your loss. I loved the stories you told of him. That is what is going to live on.
MARK HOLCOMB
02/07/2014
TINK WILL BE GREATLY MISSED HE WAS A VALUED CUSTOMER AND A VERY TRULY NICE MAN. MY CONDOLENCES
MARK HOLCOMB MIDWEST WHEEL
Terry and Shirley Burger
02/07/2014
To all the family we are so saddened about your loss. May you have the good memories help you thru this time .
Bill & Sandy Horning
02/07/2014
Our thoughts are with all family members at this time. Tink was always a very interesting man. He was always thinking of some way to change things to be more user friendly and the inventions he was able to dream up were amazing. He was also quite entertaining. Our prayers are with all of you during these next difficult days.
Jeff Fagen
02/07/2014
Fond memories of interesting conversation of ideas of things yet to be built. Tink was always amazing.
John Stringer
02/06/2014
I'm so sorry to here of your loss. Tink will be missed by many. Thoughts & Prayers to all !!
Barbara Gauley
02/06/2014
I'm saddened by the loss of my ex father-in-law! He was a very smart man and will be missed! I feel very fortunate that I saw him in Hospice twice and still remain close to the family! Love you all and sorry for your loss! See you Friday!
Tim & Cheryl Heinen
02/06/2014
Danny & Linda, Doug & Kara:
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Penni Larson
02/06/2014
I'm sorry to hear of "Tink's" passing. He worked with my father in the 60's at Van's Mobile Homes. I got to know him again at PWP. He was a kind and smart man. He will be missed.
Roy Joiner
02/06/2014
Sorry to hear about the lost of father. I Would stop in the shop from time to time when I was visting Des Moines to joke around with them. He will be greatly miss. God Bless you all.
Jeff Reynolds
02/06/2014
Danny and Linda and family,
So sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Keeping you in our prayers,
Jeff and Sandy Reynolds
cliff larson
02/06/2014
Danny, Dale & Doug and all the steele family I am very saddened by the passing of your father and my very dearest friend. I will miss him ,but never forget him.
may God Bless all of you.