Logan Steele

In the lives of those who knew and loved him, there was only one Logan Steele. Big-hearted, he possessed the sweetest, most tender nature with ways only his own. Although he could be a little sarcastic at times which more often than not fit in with his great sense of humor, Logan was just as loving and sensitive towards the needs of others. An awesome person to know, he filled the days of all with his discerning spirit. In the darkest hours of all who try to make sense of this tremendous loss, may the memory of Logan bring comfort and peace, and may his love be what is remembered most.

Technology grew by leaps and bounds during the decade of the 1990s. From computer software with the World Wide Web to manufacturing innovations, even the toy industry exploded with advances. From handheld gaming devices like Nintendo to the ever popular, “Tickle Me Elmo” in 1997, it proved to be quite a turning point. News of the day included the tragic loss of the world’s beloved, Princess Diana while Titanic made its unforgettable movie debut. Despite these ever-changing times, the birth of Logan Steele on June 5, 1997, delighted the hearts and lives of his overjoyed parents and family.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the oldest of his siblings, Logan was raised in Portage alongside his half brothers, Cole and Brant Higley. Although he had a touch of colic as an infant, Logan was a sweet boy right from the start. An easy-going kid, he was very protective of his brothers, but as older brothers most often do, he also picked on them endlessly, too! Always known as a young man with proper manners, Logan was respectful in many regards.

From an early age, Logan discovered his love for fishing. By the age of two, he could take a hook out of a fish’s mouth, but it took him a few more years to learn to worm his own hook. True to his compassionate nature, he was afraid of hurting the worm! In fact, Logan was such a gentle fisherman that he always kissed the fish he caught whether he was keeping them or releasing them back in the water. Logan’s childhood was filled with numerous and memorable times fishing with his Grandpa Haugh on Big Lake near Martin. Other places he enjoyed fishing included Whiskey Creek and Sugar Island in the Upper Peninsula which their family enjoyed every year. Needless to say, most of their family vacations had to include the possibility of fishing!

Logan could stand on the deck for hours fishing, and as long as he had his pole and tackle box, he was content. Whenever Logan fished, it came to be his happy place where he found peace. And any day that he did so was a great day for him. Even so, although Logan experienced fishing on Lake Michigan and the ocean where one time he even caught a shark, Logan most of all simply enjoyed the smaller lakes, fishing in a boat, side-by-side with his Dad.

Having attended the Portage schools, Logan enjoyed the friendships of many. Although he really got into the social aspects of school rather than his academics, school proved to be a struggle for Logan. Due to his depression, he left his schooling behind before graduating but he did register for a few classes at PCEC. Logan eventually wanted to obtain his GED as he dreamed of becoming a chef one day. When watching TV, he usually took in the cooking and fishing shows. He was definitely one for the hot sauce, and the hotter the better, like his favorite, Sriracha sauce. Logan liked cooking and was most recently working as a cook at Olga’s Kitchen in the mall.

Other things Logan immensely enjoyed were football. An avid sports fan in general, he was partial to Tom Brady and he even had one of his jerseys. When it came to music, he was into all types of music genres, yet he wasn’t too keen on country music. Logan’s love for his three dogs was clearly evident. His truest companions, they were always by his side. Ever nurturing and compassionate, Logan even volunteered at the Animal Rescue Project in Kalamazoo.

A typical teenager, Logan was very active and seemed to always be on the move. He filled his days with the things he enjoyed and spending time with his friends was one of them. He liked hanging out playing video games or enjoying a good bonfire. Even as he grew older, Logan’s love and sense of helpfulness remained. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved and looked after his grandparents with exceptional care and he was always attentive to their needs. Logan was especially close to his Grandpa Steele, and when he passed away, it affected Logan in a mighty way. He also looked up to his stepfather, Brad for which he had a good relationship.

Logan was always a hugger. He was known for his wonderfully undeniable hugs which were always heartfelt, genuine, and gentle. He was never one to give stifling bear hugs, but rather gentler, more caring hugs. Never afraid or embarrassed to show his affections, Logan never ceased in letting those who meant the most to him know of his love for them. Kisses and hugs to family members in public or around friends were never issues for Logan or something he thought twice about.

Logan’s tender, loving, and big-hearted nature remained. No matter what he was going through or experiencing, he took in love, and gave love, adding much to the lives of those near him. With aspirations of a future, Logan easily became discouraged and sometimes it simply got the best of him. While Logan sought peace, there remains a void that only he could fill. His memory lives on for all that he gave and more, and for those who knew him best, his love remains.

Logan Steele, age 19, of Portage died on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Members of his family include his parents, Gwen and Brad Matthews and Shane Steele; grandparents: Rich and Judy Haugh, Don and Pat Werme, Barbara Steele; four brothers: Cole and Brant Higley, and Spencer and Breyden Matthews. He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Larry Steele, a man whom he adored and was very close to.

Friends may visit with Logan’s family on Monday, July 11, 2016, from 5-8 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900). Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the same location. Please visit Logan’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Logan and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue Project.