James K. Steppke

Jim Steppke, 70, of Fort Atkinson, died on Thursday, August 19, 2010. He was born in Menominee Michigan April 3, 1940. His parents were Louis Steppke and Melvina (Blondin) Steppke. He graduated from Menominee High School. He served in the Marine Corp from 1958 to 1962, as a Lance Corporal. In 1963 he married Mary Ann Delisi in Robinsdale, Minnesota. After working as Assistant Manager of Red Owl Foods in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Marinette, Wisconsin, he received a scholarship to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. He studied computer programming and graduated, with honors, in 1965. He later joined the Wisconsin State Patrol in 1968 and was a dedicated State Trooper for 32 years. After retiring in 1997, he was employed by Jefferson County Sheriffs Department for several years.
Jim was a true sports enthusiast. He had a passion for baseball and coached little league. He was an avid Packer fan and helped to tear down the winning goal post at the infamous Ice Bowl. He was also a keen bowler and in 2006 he bowled an 800 series. Jims favorite enjoyments in life included bowling, baseball, Texas Hold-em Poker, and swimming at Bartels Beach in Lake Mills. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports and followed them across the country to watch their games. Jim also loved to travel to Lake Havasu, Arizona during the winter months with his wife, MaryAnn.
Jim was an extraordinary man. He received the Colonels award for Sharp Shooting in 1984 and the Officer of the Year award from the American Legion in 1986. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Josephs Church. He also was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard medical unit and an E.M.T. worker with Kutz Ambulance.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, MaryAnn Steppke and children; Todd James Steppke and wife Marisa Steppke, Tina Jo Keegstra and husband Brent Keegstra, and Terry John Steppke. Grandchildren are Zachary Steppke, Allison Keegstra, Anna Steppke, Ben Keegstra, Nick Steppke, Ashley Keegstra, and Alexander Steppke. Brothers and Sisters are Jerry Steppke, Ted Steppke, Larry Steppke, Carol Seronski, and Betty Sieloff. Brother-in-law Bob Delisi and Sister-in-Law Sandy Delisi, as well as many nieces and nephews. Those preceding Jim in death are his parents Louis and Melvina Steppke and sister Judy Steppke Habel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Father Jay Poster as Celebrant. Friends may call from 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the church until time of services.
Interment will follow at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or the church.
The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

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