Loreen Steele-Youngren

Steele-Youngren
Loreen F. (Wynn)
Age 98, of St. Paul, Minnesota

Our mother and matriarch passed away peacefully at the amazing age of 98.  She was loved and cherished by friends and family alike.  Loreen lived life by her own set of rules… always independent, fierce and full of adventure… she lived a big life.

Loreen was born on April 8, 1922 in Buckeye, Iowa to Elmer and Hilda (Eggers) Wynn.  The family moved to Mason City, Iowa in 1928, where she would live out her childhood.  In 1942, Loreen moved to the big city, St. Paul, Minnesota.  It was in St. Paul that Loreen chose to take root and raise her family.

For those that knew her best, there is no denying that dancing was her first love.  She could often be found whirling gracefully on dancefloors from the Prom Center, to the Moose Lodge to the Biergarten in Epcot!  Her grace extended beyond the ballroom, and often took her to the bowling alley where she could be found chasing that 300 with the best of her girlfriends.  She came close, when in her 80’s she bowled a 235.

Her love of clothes & good shoes is something none of us will forget, and those closest to her, know she was a true “Fashionista” through her final days.  Not only did she love a good mink coat, or pill box hat, her talent was truly in her fingertips.  Loreen spent hours sewing for her family, friends and neighbors.  She could design and create everything from a 1968 prom dress, to toddler clothes through the 70’s, including some pretty fantastic plaid ponchos!  Her fingers did not fail, as she kept knitting for her family well into her 90’s, and as a result we have some priceless wash cloths and padded hangers.

Loreen was a hard working woman, who readily sought fun and adventure.  Her determination and grit is something that will be remembered by many, as she never slowed down, not even in her final days.

She is survived by her son, Tom Steele (Marjorie Strout); daughter, Linda (Steele) Tepe & husband Joe; and Step-Daughter, Roxanne Larsen.  Her legacy includes eight grandchildren; Michael, Lisa, Tara, Missy (Travis), Jessica, Ken, Kurt & Kim and five great-grandchildren; Madison, Caitlyn, Jackson, Lyla and Aurora.  She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family & dear friends.

Loreen is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Marvin, Harvey & Lavern, special sister Gladys, sister-in-law Irene, brother-in-law Lawrence, step-daughter Karen, grandson David, and husbands, Millard (Butch) Steele and Gordon (Gordy) Youngren.

Loreen’s commitment to her family has inspired the success of four generations, and we look forward to celebrating her life on July 18th. In accordance with the MDH COVID19 Guidelines, masks and physical distancing will be required.