Stephen L. Steele

     Stephen L. Steele, 70, of Sparta, died Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Sparta. He was born January 30, 1949 in Sparta to Ray and Florence (Geier) Steele. Stephen grew up on the family farm in Melvina and was a 1967 graduate of Cashton High School.

     On August 22, 1970, he married Norma Opsahl at St. Mary’s Ridge Catholic Church. Stephen worked at the Monroe County Farm for 11 years and at Foremost Farms in Sparta, until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, trips up north, and spending summers in Hayward with his fishing buddies and lifelong friends, Jim Suhr and Bob Robinson. Stephen also loved spending time on the family farm.

     Survivors include his wife, Norma of Sparta; children, Michael Steele of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jennifer (Stephan) Henry of Sparta, Kevin (Angel) Steele of Monroe, WI, and Jeffrey (Megan) Steele of Sparta; nine grandchildren, Jeren and Remington Henry, Zackary, Collin, and Brooklyn Steele, and Nora, Ellie, Debra, and Jacob Steele; siblings, Robert (Helen) Steele of Eau Claire, Mary Perry of Cashton, Debra (Roger) McDowell of Onalaska, and Ronald Steele of Cashton; and many nieces and nephews.

     Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Florence; brother, John Steele; and brother-in-law, Donald Perry.

     A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m., until 7 p.m., Friday, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and from 10 a.m., until the time of service, Saturday, at the church. 

     Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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