Gregory Steil

Gregory A. Steil, 72, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2017. Funeral services for Greg will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. The Reverend Dwight Netzer will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the church. Military honors will be provided by Albert Lea area veterans’ organizations. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Greg was born on March 29, 1945, in Albert Lea, the son of Leland and Gretchen (Johnston) Steil. On October 5, 1968, he married Theresa Durdahl. Greg is survived by his children Kristin Schillinger and Kimberly Steil, his grandchildren Alexander Schillinger and Rebecca Schillinger, and great-granddaughter Nevaeh James, all of St. Louis Park, MN. He is also survived by his brothers Lyman “Manny” Steil of North Oaks, MN and Thomas (Karel) Steil of Cottage Grove, MN. Additionally, he is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his sister, Sue Strand. Greg graduated from Albert Lea High School and Austin Junior College. He served his country honorably as a Staff Sergeant for 6 years in the National Guard. Greg’s career began at the Diekema Construction Company in Albert Lea. As a “perfectionist,” Greg worked in quality control at Scotsman in Albert Lea, and then as Director of Quality Control at Toro in Tomah, WI for 22 years before retiring. His colleagues remember him as a man who could “fix anything.” There are a multitude of words to describe Greg Steil: hardworking, courageous, intelligent, proud, honest, loyal, father, brother, friend, humble, contemplative, and steadfast. He quietly gave in many ways throughout his life, helping others in any way he could. He donated 22 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. Greg received much joy from the investment he made in supporting the vocational education of Albert Lea graduates with the “Steil Family Industrial, Vocational, and Technical Scholarship.” Greg was someone you could always count on. He loved, cared for, and served everyone in his life in his unique way of sharing himself. Greg enjoyed many hobbies. He had a special interest in old cars. He was a long time member of the Albert Lea Ventures Car Club. He remained the proud owner of the first car he ever purchased, a 1924 Model T. Greg also loved to spend his time haggling-over and procuring antiques to add to his collections. Greg enjoyed spending time outside and could often be found at "The Ridge." He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to The “Steil Family Industrial, Vocational, and Technical Scholarship Endowment Fund.”