Margaret Helen Steele, 87, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glasgow Cemetery or EveryStep Hospice and mailed to the family at 2307 Business Hwy 34, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. 

Margaret was born June 14, 1938, the daughter of Merle and Helen (Carper) Leazer. Helen later married Harold Simmons. Margaret married Herman “Dale” Steele, September 5, 1956 in Glasgow. He preceded her in death October 9, 2008.

Margaret worked for the Fairfield Community School District for 30 years, first in the lunchroom at Lincoln School, and then in laundry at the High School.

Margaret enjoyed gardening and yardwork, watching movies, birdwatching, and working on the farm. She cherished her time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, Don (Debi) Steele of Fairfield; grandchildren, Sandra (Chad) Vice, Nathan (Shana) Steele, Mike (Ashley) Harmon, Kyle (Ashley) Harmon, and Abigail Stickels; 14 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Richard “Dick” (Lynn) Leazer of Verona, Wisconsin.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Merle Leazer, and Helen and Harold Simmons; and her son, John Steele.

Margaret’s family wishes to thank Jefferson County Health Center and EveryStep Hospice for their loving care.