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.
Kelly Anderson
02/06/2014
Doug and Kara
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Eva Horstman
02/06/2014
Dale,
Sorry about the loss of your father! My prayers are with you and your family. God bless always, Love Eva
Rachel Reeder
02/06/2014
Thinking of you Linda
Chris Cordaro
02/06/2014
Danny and family...
So sorry to hear about your dad. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Much love,
Chris Cordaro and family