Kerry Mitchell Steele was born March 14, 1969, to Mavanee Mitchell Steele and Roger R Steele. He passed away at the age of 44 on May 19, 2013, in Idaho Falls.
He grew up in Shelley and attended elementary and junior high school there, graduating from Shelley High School with high honors in 1987. His best friends were his two brothers, Kim and Kelly, but he was a friend to all and had a contagious smile, quick wit and fun personality. He enjoyed playing football, running track and working many hours at Pizza Hut to pay for his truck and fun.
After a year of college, he served his Heavenly Father with dedication on a church mission to Toronto, Canada. His mission blessed his life in countless ways. Very shortly after returning home, he met his wife, LaRell Smith, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in October 1990.
College filled the next few years of Kerry's life as he excelled in his studies at Ricks College, then Idaho State University and finally on to St. Louis University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree as a Physician Assistant, graduated magna cum laude and received the award for most outstanding PA student. Later, he received his Masters Degree from the University of Nebraska.
Kerry used his incredible memory and compassionate manner in treating his medical patients for the next 15 years. He truly enjoyed helping people while practicing medicine and was very loved by his many patients in Rexburg, Arco and Idaho Falls. In spite of his declining health the last two years, his main goal was to be able to work as a physician assistant again.
Four amazing children call Kerry "Dad": Amanda, Kieran, Lauren and Kason. Kerry loved his children so very much and was so proud of them and their varied talents and abilities! Boating, 4-wheeling, shooting, skiing, snowmobiling, playing guitars, listening to music and watching movies were just some of the many things he loved doing with his family.
Kerry was a person who could never sit still. He could be so energetic and silly and fun. He could sing, play the guitar beautifully and he could make up new lyrics to a song in an instant. He kept his yard beautiful, his truck clean, and he liked to smell and look good. He was a skilled snowmobile rider and loved it. He was very athletic, played many sports and kept fit by lifting weights most of his life.
He served in several church callings through the years in Elders Quorum and Sunday school, but spent the most time in Primary. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. He was a giver. He gave the gift of good health to his patients. He loved Christmas and giving gifts, and even putting up the outdoor Christmas lights. He loved his animals and he loved his family.
Kerry is survived by his wife of 22 years, LaRell; his four children, Amanda, Kieran, Lauren and Kason; his parents, Mavanee Steele, Roger Steele and stepmother Peg; and his two brothers, Kelly Steele and Kim Steele and their families. He is also survived by a large extended family.
His funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today, May 24, at the Eagle Rock Stake Center, 2020 Charlotte Drive in Idaho Falls. The viewing will be from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. prior to funeral services. His burial will follow the funeral at Hillcrest Cemetery in Shelley.
Kerry, we miss you and love you and we want to be with you forever! Condolences can be sent to the family at http://www.nalderfuneralhome.com/obituary.aspx?MemberId=120799&MName=Kerry%20Mitchell%20Steele
Family Tribute
