Cindy Lou Steele, 59, of La Crosse passed away on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 27, 1956 to Frank and Joyce (Amborn) Haldorson. On Sept. 17, 1978, Cindy married John C. Steele.

During her earlier years, Cindy worked at Alterra and retired from Hillview. Even after retiring, her love of caring and helping others continued. Cindy’s family will always cherish the memories of celebrating the holidays at her home. Her love of baking and cooking always shone through at family gatherings; one of her most popular desserts was her coconut bars. Cindy loved to travel with her family. She especially loved taking a trip to South Dakota with her husband, brother, and mother. Traveling or not, Cindy loved to play card games to pass the time. Cindy’s smile and contagious laugh will be missed greatly. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren meant the world to her.

Cindy is survived by her husband; her children Tasha (Marvin) Rice and Jamie Steele (Amie); her grandchildren Ashlynn Francis, Austin Steele, Shaunee Rice, M.J. Rice (Courtney), Mike Rice, Jetadiea Steele, and Aiden Steele; her great-grandchildren Avayah Rice and Izaiah Fischer; siblings Clifford (Deborah) Haldorson, Gloria (John) Mischke, Virgil (Edna) Haldorson, Delores (Dale) Johnson, Raymond Haldorson, Theresa Haldorson, and Sherry (Eric) Anderson; her nieces and nephews Christopher (Angelique) Haldorson, Paul Haldorson, David John Mischke, Angie Bryant, Josh Haldorson, Katey (Eric) Nietz, Sarah (Aaron) Pronschinske, Jordan Haldorson, Kassi Haldorson (Nick), Joe Haldorson, McKayla Haldorson, Dana (Don) Antal, Samuel DeVries, Scott DeVries (Alexia), and Ross Anderson; her great-nieces and nephews Olivia Haldorson, Ethan Haldorson, Brandon Knutson, Ian Haldorson, Jeremiah Haldorson, Zoey Haldorson, Brooke Nietz, Peyton Nietz, Shelbie Pronschinske, Autumn Johnson, and Summer Antal; the Middlebrook family; the Cowell family; Anne Rice and the Rice family; Rick Steele; her best friend Holly; her dogs Star, Maxx, and Benji, and many other loved ones.

Cindy was preceded in her death by her parents; son Eric Haldorson; and many other loved ones.

Family would like to thank Gundersen’s ICU staff and surgeons for the excellent end of life care they provided Cindy and for the comfort and support they provided the family.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will take place from 11 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the American Legion Post 336, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. Cindy will be laid to rest on Monday, Aug. 22 at noon in the Mormon Coulee Cemetery, N1137 Bloomer Mill Road, La Crosse.