Dana Sue Steelman

Dana Sue Steelman, formerly of Adel, Iowa and Rochester, Minnesota, peacefully made her way to heaven on April 20, 2022. Dana was born May 21, 1964, in Des Moines, Iowa, going to school and graduating in 1982 from Adel-DeSoto High School. Her earlier years were spent in Adel, where she grew up surrounded by family. Dana would share wonderful memories of playing in her grandparent’s big green house in Green Gables, tales from her days with the carnival, and developing her love for animals. During her teenage years, Dana was loved by all who knew her. Always an advocate for the underdog, Dana had a tender heart for humanity, and never wanted to see someone hurt. She was the first to have your back, and her loyalty to her friends was unmatched. Some of her favorite memories where at the shelter house next to the swimming pool hanging out with her friends. If not there, on summer days, you’d find her laying out in her parent’s backyard, with baby oil and her foil lined mat, working on her tan. After graduation, Dana channeled her love of people into the areas of retail and waitressing. She remained in the Adel area, routinely having lunch with her mom every Thursday, and continuing to spend time with friends. On May 17, 1985, Dana’s life was dealt a difficult hand when she was in an automobile accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. Ultimately, it was this event that led her to relocate to Rochester, Minnesota; and it was there she met her husband, Pat Chase. The years she and Pat were married were some of her happiest. Pat was a wonderful husband and cared for her with the utmost love and compassion. Dana also loved animals. Over the years she had many dogs and cats, all of which we’re certain, were there to meet her at the rainbow bridge. In late 2019, Dana moved back to Iowa. Being close to family again was wonderful and although the pandemic posed various challenges, having her so close to us again after all these years was a gift all of us will treasure. While Dana had many friends; Jay Bettis held a particularly special place in her heart and his passing in 1985 left a void she continued to carry with her. In addition to Jay, Dana was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; father, Lee Struble; maternal grandparents, Paul and Opal Snyder; and paternal grandparents, Lester and June Steelman. Left to carry on her memory is her mother, Kay Struble of Adel; dad, Gary Steelman of Adel; sister, Deb Tomlinson (Bill) of West Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Dennis Steelman of Adel; sister, Jodi Selby (Scott) of Adel; sister, Lynette Ryan of Golden, Colorado; and brother, Tim Yates of Adel; along with three nephews, six nieces, and two great-nieces.