Steven Steinke

Steven Bruce Steinke, age 55, of Weston, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Steven was born on May 15, 1969, to Melvin and Kelley (Sheets) Steinke in Wisconsin Rapids. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1987. Following high school, he briefly attended Nicolet Technical College studying Forestry.

Steven was a diligent worker, devoting many years of service to Wisconsin Flogate, CW Paper, Midland, and Nassco. He also took pride in his role as a dump truck driver for Paradise Trucking in Almond, Wisconsin. Beyond his work, Steven's passions were as diverse as his talents. He was an avid hunter of deer, elk, bear, and moose, often assisting as a hunting guide, and fisherman, enjoying ice fishing and making regular trips to Canada. He had a deep appreciation for the Amish and Mennonite communities, visiting their shops and auctions frequently. Steven was also an active member of the Grand Rapids Lions Club. He was a collector of toy diecast tractors, a hobby that brought him immense joy. Steven enjoyed taxidermy, collecting various pieces over the years, as well as having his own trophies preserved. He enjoyed attending gun shows and Barrett's Auctions, and he was a beloved figure in the bowling community. Above all, Steven was a gifted salesman, with a natural ability to sell anything to anyone. His diverse hobbies and interests reflected his love for life, nature, and people.

To Steven, his family was his greatest pride and joy. He is survived by his sons, Adam (Melanie Lukens) and Austin Steinke; his fiancé, Joanne Austin; his brother Brian Steinke and sister-in-law Paula Steinke; his sister Mary Tingblad; his grandchildren Ayden, Aubrey, and Lincoln Steinke; and his ex-wife Cheryl Czaikowski, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Kelley Steinke, daughter Arica Steinke, and brother Greg Steinke. In the words of Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Steven's spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Please join us to celebrate Steven's remarkable life on Sunday, March 2, 2025, visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 54494.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Steven on his memorial page, to help us remember this extraordinary man who lived life with passion and loved with all his heart.