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MARQUETTE, MI – Richard Allen "Buck" Steeland, age 80, of Marquette, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the loving care of his family.
Buck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 9, 1945, a son of Richard and Joan (Hanneman) Steeland. He was raised in the Detroit area and graduated from Roseville High School. Following high school, Buck attended college for a period of time before continuing his working career as a foreman pouring concrete basements.
Shortly thereafter, he began what would become his lifelong career driving semi trucks. Buck drove for a Detroit beer distributor for many years where he proudly belonged to Teamsters Local 1038 before going on to drive for the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx. He remained behind the wheel until his retirement in 2012.
Buck met the love of his life, Janice, in 1974. They were married on August 20, 1977. Together, they lived in the Metro Detroit area and raised their family. Following Buck's retirement in 2012, the couple moved to Marquette so they could spend more time with their daughters and grandkids and enjoy the great outdoors.
Nature had always held a special place in Buck's heart. While living downstate, the family frequently made trips "up north" to the family cabin in Hillman where Buck enjoyed many of his favorite activities. Buck had many interests and hobbies. He loved fishing, gardening, smoking meat and fish, working on cars, watching NASCAR, entertaining family and friends, and simply being outside. He was especially proud of his garden, where he would grow rows of corn alongside the house, a garden that became known among his girls' neighborhood friends as "Buck's Farm."
In his younger years, Buck was a true daredevil who enjoyed drag racing and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed sharing a beer and good conversation with friends and family, and easily made friends out of strangers.
Those who knew Buck will remember him as tough, outspoken, charismatic, funny, and intelligent. He was gregarious and never afraid to speak his mind. He believed in standing up for what was right, and he fought for the working man including his fellow Teamsters. He was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved. His family always knew that Buck would take care of them and that they could count on him.
Buck was also well known for his colorful sayings and expressions, affectionately remembered by his family as his "Buckisms." His stories, humor, strong opinions, and larger-than-life personality made him someone who was not easily forgotten.
Most important to Buck was his family. He took great pride in his wife, children, and grandchildren and cherished the time they shared together. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Janice; daughters, Breann (Daniel Riley) Steeland of Marquette and Randi (co-parent Travis Wright) Steeland of Marquette; grandchildren, Wiley and Buckley Steeland; his grand-dog, George; brother, Paul (Kathy) Steeland; along with several beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws, as well as many close friends, especially Marc, Butch, Rick, and Danny.
In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by his siblings, Chuck Steeland, Judy Lovell, and Winnie Weidman.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Buck and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or UP Home Health and Hospice, 1125 West Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Visitation for Buck will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Kevin Taylor officiating. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.