Funeral Services for Emerson Steele, age 79, of O'Neill will be 7 pm Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with Rev. Paul Harder officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday at Biglin's Mortuary. Emerson passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Emerson Lee Steele was born on July 20, 1941 in Valentine, Nebraska to Shorty and Norma (Steele) Steele. He attended O'Neill Public Schools and enjoyed playing trumpet in the band. He graduated from O'Neill High School in 1960.

Emerson married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Wayman, on February 6, 1961 in O'Neill. To this union, two children were born; Todd and Leeann. The family moved for a short time to Valentine, where Emerson managed a shoe store. They then returned to O'Neill and Emerson started working for the Nebraska Department of Roads. He retired as a maintenance supervisor in 2009.

Emerson always enjoyed being a part of the O'Neill community; from running the scoreboard for many years at the O'Neill High Basketball games, to playing trumpet in the Jaycees band during St. Patrick's Day. He was a member of the O'Neill Golf Club, the Irish Walk of Fame, the O'Neill Jaycees, and Faith Community Church.

Emerson enjoyed golfing, woodworking, playing cards, doing jigsaw puzzles, feeding the geese at Poese Park, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Emerson is survived by two children, Todd Steele, of Wylie, Texas, and Leeann (Jeff) Bredensteiner of Omaha; five grandchildren, Cori Steele, Kaitlyn Steele, Jack Steele, Dylan Humble, and Averi Humble; and former daughter-in-law, Charlotte Steele of Rowlett, TX; two sisters, Yvonne Babutzke of O'Neill, Rita (Terry) Klein of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Mary Steele of O'Neill; special friend, Karen O'Neill of O'Neill; many nieces and nephews.

Emerson was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barb in 2020; one brother, Evan Steele; and two brothers-in-law, Leo Babutzke and Ralph Tracy.