Claire was an example of resilience. Growing up his parents moved between Story and Hardin counties as his father tried to get started in farming, working as a tenant farmer. He attended one-room country schools, school in Zearing and he finished his education in Hubbard, graduating in 1940. He worked at the hatchery in Hubbard before he began farming.

Claire married Anna “Ann” Mae Robertson 11 November 1939 when they eloped to Bethany, Missouri and enjoyed 80 years together before Ann’s passing in 2020. They started their married life in Hubbard and eventually moved to a farm north of Colo, Iowa where they raised their family. Their life was an adventure that included raising five children, traveling, good friends, hosting family dinners and hosting a college exchange student from Finland with whom they stayed in touch over the years.

Claire served on the Colo Community School Board and worked for the Story County ASC office. He made quilt racks to hold quilts made by Ann, bookcases and footstools. Claire and Ann retired from the farm in 1985 and moved to Ames to be closer to family.

They enjoyed retirement, which included golfing with friends and looking at the geese near their home at Ada Hayden Park. He and Ann would drive to Des Moines for lunch one day a week until he did not want to drive in Des Moines traffic any longer.

Claire is survived by his five children, Joyce Churchill, Doug (Joyce) Steelman, Roger (Nancy) Steelman, Marti Steelman and Patti Steelman. Seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Claire was predeceased by his parents, wife, stillborn daughter Kim Janiece, siblings, Vivian Cypra and Lloyd Steelman, sister-in-law Klara Steelman and son-in-law Robert Churchill. We thank the Lord and give praise for the amazing life of Claire Eugene Steelman.