Lincoln James Steele

Lincoln Steele, age 34 of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Anita, Iowa.

Lincoln James 'Buddy' Steele was born on September 24, 1991, in Ottawa, Illinois to Bill and Connie Steele. He moved to Iowa with his mother and sister in 1996, and spent most of his life in rural Iowa, but settled in Des Moines. Lincoln loved NASCAR, tractor pulls and mud racing, along with Rodeo, hunting and fishing. He loved animals and had a special way with them, especially with farm animals, lovingly called The Chicken Whisperer by his family. Lincoln had a special giggle that would start in his feet and work its way up, especially around heavy equipment and loud engines. Lincoln was high functioning autistic, but never let that stop him from being his absolute self - for better or worse. He will be greatly missed by so many of us.

Lincoln is survived by his Mother Connie Gheer (Anita), Grandmother Verna (Des Moines), Aunts Cathie (Des Moines), Candice (Wisconsin) and Cindy (Florida), Uncle Coy Showers (Illinois) and his Sisters Tiffany (New Jersey), Risa and Leanna (Iowa), Amber, Katy and Kendra (Texas).

He is preceded in death by his Grandfather Wayne (Michigan), his father Bill (South Dakota) his Aunt Tammy Cave (rural Orient) and stepfather Rick Gheer (rural Orient).

Celebration of Life will be at the Anita Community Center on Sunday, June 7th at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating his life.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita is caring for the Gheer Family at this time.