Steelie Gail Newomon

Steelie Newomon, born Nancy Gail Foster, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on December 30, 1935, to Jack Foster and Dorothea (Hill) Foster.

Steelie spent her childhood in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and later lived in Eagle before making her home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where she raised her family. Throughout her life, she embraced new adventures, living in California and spending time in Florida before eventually settling in El Paso, Wisconsin, where she enjoyed her later years surrounded by many cherished friends.

As a young woman, Steelie shared her love of music by serving as a choir director. She dedicated much of her professional life as a social worker with Catholic Charities, devoting herself to serving individuals and families with compassion, dignity, and understanding. Her desire to help others was not simply a career, it was a way of life.

Steelie was known as a true free spirit with a heart for justice. She believed deeply in standing up for those whose voices often went unheard and became an advocate for working families and those in need. She organized community protests in Oconomowoc supporting fair labor practices and food justice, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She was also helped organize events for the National Organization for Women (NOW) in the Oconomowoc area. She also became an important part of a women's retreat community in Florida, where she formed lasting friendships and encouraged countless women through fellowship and support.

Although divorced, Steelie's greatest legacy was the love she had for her family. She was blessed with five children: Robin, Jennifer, Neil, Andrew, and Paula; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer, as well as her parents, Jack and Dorothea.

Steelie will be remembered for her compassionate heart, unwavering convictions, adventurous spirit, and boundless generosity. She lived life boldly, loved deeply, and never hesitated to stand beside those in need. Her legacy of kindness, advocacy, and service will continue to live on in the lives she touched and in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of life will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Monday, August 17, 2026, at City Station Community Room: 308 River St. River Falls, WI 54022.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.