When World War II veteran Dale Steele died earlier this year at the age of 100, he became the oldest organ donor in the United States.
That’s according to Live On Nebraska, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through organ and tissue donation.
“This is a story about a life of service that didn’t end at death,” said Kyle Herber, president and CEO of Live On Nebraska. “Mr. Steele lived a full century giving to others, and through donation, that generosity continues in a way that will impact lives for years to come.”
Steele sustained a head injury in February and was placed on life support, KMVT reported. It was then that Live On Nebraska contacted his family about a potential liver donation. Live On Nebraska said that after Steele died, his liver was recovered at Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center and then successfully transplanted the following day.
“Dale was always very helpful and considerate of everyone around him, friends and strangers alike,” his grandson Scott Steele said. “We believe he would do just about anything he could for someone in need.”
Although it is a common misconception that there is an age limit for organ donation, Steele’s story reinforces an important truth: age alone does not determine donor eligibility, said Dr. Lee Morrow, chief medical officer at Live On Nebraska.
“Cases like this are extraordinary, but they remind us that donor eligibility is based on health and organ viability, not simply age,” he said. “Every donor is evaluated individually with rigorous medical criteria.”
Steele’s World War II service included seeking out remnants of the German army and assisting concentration camp survivors in returning home. He was promoted to staff sergeant and deployed to Nuremberg, according to Live On Nebraska. During the Nazi war crime trials there, he worked in the prison, guarding defendants, before being assigned to the interrogation wing. His time at Nuremberg involved keeping watch over top Nazi officials, including Hermann Göring.
Following his service, Steele returned to Bassett, Nebraska, where he met his wife, Doris, at a local dance. The couple were married for 72 years and had four children and four grandchildren.
Steele raised Hereford cattle on his ranch and worked at the Farmers Co-Op in Bassett. Later, he managed the Pierce Co-Op. Before retirement, he sold irrigation and grain handling equipment. He also loved gardening and was an avid artist.
“Dale was humble and was not one to call attention to his acts of kindness,” said Scott Steele. “He would want the acknowledgement to go to the life he saved.”
Thousands of people across the United States are currently waiting for lifesaving transplants, according to Live On Nebraska. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and help many more through tissue donation.
“This is a powerful reminder that generosity has no age limit,” Herber said. “Every donor leaves a legacy, and every person who registers person who registers has the potential to give the gift of life.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.