Madison WI

Harriett A. Steil, age 94, passed away peacefully Saturday January 20, 2024, at Agrace Hospice Care. Harriett was born May 27, 1929 to Harold and Ruth Allender in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Harriett grew up in Oshkosh during the Great Depression and learned many life lessons from the hard times. She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1947, and then travelled to Brookhaven Mississippi to attend Whitworth Junior College School for Girls for a year in preparation for further education. After a semester at Oshkosh Technical College, she then went the University of Wisconsin Madison, earning her Bachelors degree in Home Economics with a major in Interior Design for which she excelled.

She went to work for Frautschi’s Furniture Store and gained many contacts and accolades for her interior decorating skills, decorating many homes and businesses in and around the Madison area. She tutored under Frank Lloyd Wright for interior design, and was involved in decorating the Governors Mansion several times.

She married Robert in 1954 and worked for a short time before deciding to become a homemaker and a “professional volunteer”. She served countless hours volunteering her time for worthy causes and became a member of the Attic Angels Association in 1972. Here, she joined the Board of Directors and eventually became a Legacy Angel. She also volunteered for years at Olbrich Gardens, was a founding member of the Mendota Garden Club, and delivered hundreds of “Meals on Wheels” for the elderly and disabled.

Harriett and Robert enjoyed golfing and social events at Maple Bluff Country Club, of which they were members for over 50 years. They also loved northern Wisconsin, where they spent many years at their cabin in Manitowish Waters. They were members of Lake Edge United Church of Christ and were actively involved with charitable and operational activities.

Harriett was skilled with quilting, needlepoint, and various crafting styles, making many works of art throughout her life.

Harriett was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert Steil. She is survived by her two sons: Andrew Steil, Cory (Lisa) Steil; grandaughter Madeline (Matthew) Weis; sister Sue McCullah.

Daisies were Harriett’s favorite flower; the next time you see a daisy, smile and think of her.

A part of the Greatest Generation whose compassion, love and loyalty will be greatly missed.

The family would like to extend thanks for the staff at Agrace Hospice Care and a special thank you to Senior Helpers, who helped with keeping Harriett in her home at the twilight of her life.

Per her wishes there will be no public memorial service. Harriett requested that in lieu of services that friends and family do a “random act of kindness” and volunteer their time wherever possible.

Memorials can be made to Attic Angel Association, Olbrich Gardens, and Agrace HospiceCare Inc.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: ryanfuneralservice.com.

Harriett Steil

May 27, 1929 - January 20, 2024

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