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Obituary

Kenneth E. Steiger

October 14, 2019 | 5 comments

Kenneth Edwin Steiger,92, of Onalaska WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday 0ctober 5,2019 at Mayo Health System Lacrosse, WI.

Kenneth was born on August 18,1927 to Edwin and Ella (Reineking) Steiger in Greenwood, WI. Kenneth grew up on the family farm, attended Greenwood Schools and graduated in 1945.

He served in the Army, where he was stationed at Fort Monmouth New Jersey till August 1947. He returned home and on November 15, 1947 he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Baird at Westside Immanuel United Church of Christ in Greenwood, WI.  They lived and raised their three children in Greenwood.

Kenneth Served as the City Clerk and served on the church board. He worked for John Wuethrich Creamery Co./Grassland Butter for 42 years starting as a bookkeeper and being named Vice President of Purchasing till he retired in 1992.

Kenneth had a passion for gardening and a “green thumb”. He could be found many days with his hands in the dirt.

In 1997, Kenneth and Janice moved to Onalaska WI, where he was a faithful member of the Onalaska United Methodist Church. He had a part-time job with Weiland Apt and Self-Storage where he was able to continue his love of bookkeeping.

Kenneth also had a passion for music. He sang with the Clark County Men’s Chorus, directed and sang with the Church chorus, He sang with the OUMC Choir and was a member of the La Crosse barber shoppers. He loved to dance and could be found at many Howie Sturtz Orchestra dances where his brother, Ertz, sang and played trombone. Kenneth loved Big Band Music and up till the end he listened to Glen Miller, Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey and more with a smile.

Kenneth was known for his kind and compassionate spirit and infectious smile that would warm your heart. He valued relationships, kindness, generosity and hard work. He set a wonderful example for his family to follow. Kenneth was so proud of his family and so happy to have them visit. He lived a simple life and shared the rare blessing to live a love story for 72 years with his wife, Janice. He will be deeply missed by so many.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Janice Steiger; children, Pamela (Brad) Johnson, Plover, WI,

Steve (Candi) Steiger Balsam Lake, WI, Lori (Bob) Kennedy Onalaska, WI; Eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ella Steiger; Brother, Ervin Steiger, Neillsville, WI, Sister’s, Marion (Gordon) Nielsen, Waupaca, WI, Evelyn (Karl) Mitschka Milwaukee, WI, Beatrice (Dale) Syth, Eau Claire, WI.

Thank You to Mayo Clinic Health System Dr. Nancy Erickson, Palliative and Hospice care, and the 7thfloor Nursing Staff. Their love and care will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to be given to the Onalaska United Methodist Church Music Fund.

A memorial service will be held for Ken and Jan at 12:30pm on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, with visitation from 10:00am until the time of the service.

Condolences

5 Comments

  1. Julie

    Dear Jan and family,
    I am so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. He truly did warm everyone’s heart with his genuine smile. He will forever be remembered for his kind and gentle ways. Such a gentleman. With my deepest sympathy, Julie 2
    P.S. I know the music just got a little louder in Heaven

  2. Pat & Ron Clements

    Ken was such a neat person. He was loved by all. Everyone will miss his precious smile. So sorry to hear of his passing. Hope to stop over and see Jan.

  3. GARY

    our thoughts and prayers are and have been with you all during this time of sorrow. Marian and I have many memories of Ken and Jan and the cousins, and will continue to do so. He, along with his brother, Ertz and sisters Evelyn, Bede and Mom will continue to warm our hearts forever.

    Gary and Marian

  4. Don Stapleton

    Dear Jan and Family,
    We were so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Jeannie and I have never saw a scowl on his face, only kind words were spoken when he was around. We count ourselves fortunate to have known him. His joy for singing was wonderful to witness. May the wonderful memories of him give you peace and comfort.

    Jeannie and Don Stapleton

  5. Sally Arneson

    Dear Jan, Pam, Steve and Lori,
    While Elsie and I were researching family history we were so sorry to learn of Ken’s passing.
    Elsie loves to share fond memories of her cousins with me and I always enjoy listening to her many stories about them.
    She had such a wonderful childhood growing up and being included in such a close knit, nurturing, fun loving and talented gang. I know by the way she smiles and the use of her tender words she felt like she was a part of one big family. She has always referred to them as her very best friends and still does to this day.
    She talks a lot about the beautiful farm where Ken grew up and still holds him dear in her heart along with her other sweet cousins, Bede, Marion, Evelyn and Ertz.
    Like Ken, she too liked to reminisce about the good old days dancing at the Merry Old Garden to the music played by Ertz and the band.
    Our thoughts are with all of you at this very sad time and always,
    Love,
    Elsie and Sally Arneson

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