Rodney "Rod" Steffek

Rodney Joseph “Rod” Steffek, 80, Denmark, passed away Friday, August 26, 2011, with his family at his bedside, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Rod was born in Green Bay on July 3, 1931, to the late Joseph and Beatrice (Kellner) Steffek. He was a 1949 graduate of Denmark High School. He then served in the U.S. Air Force. He returned to Denmark to work with his grandfather, Frank, at the Kellner Lumber Company, eventually owning the business. Rod married his high school classmate, Mary Maurer on June 27, 1953 at All Saints Catholic Church, Denmark. With the help of two of his sons, Rod ran Kellner Lumber Company until its closing in the mid 1980s. He continued employment with Brown County Publishing for a few years in maintenance before his retirement. Rod was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Denmark, serving as an usher for numerous years. He was a proud member and past commander of the Denmark American Legion Post. He served on the Denmark village board several years. He was active in Scouting while his sons were growing up. Rod and Mary enjoyed camping with the five boys through the sixties. The annual trip to Lake Gogebic in the U.P. of Michigan with the gang from Denmark was a highlight each year. Rod and Mary boast that they traveled to all 48 contiguous states in their motor home. They became “snowbirds” and found Mercedes, Texas, as their winter home, however they would make the long journey back to Denmark to be with the family for the holidays. Rod was proud to be the father of five sons, whom he considered to be his best friends. Rod is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; his 5 sons: Jim Lorrie (Krueger), Denmark; Steve Mardell (Kapinos), Green Bay; Tom Patty (Taylor Watry), Townsend; John Theresa (Winiecki), Denmark; and Robert Timothy Richison, Dayton, OH; 9 grandchildren: Brian Steffek, Becky Steffek, Jeff Steffek, Jayne (Troy) Vosters, Tony (Missy) Steffek, Molly (Matt) Warpinski, Cpt. Craig (Lyndsey) Steffek, USAF; Timothy (Amanda) Steffek, and Elizabeth (Josh) Nett; 2 step-grandchildren: Will (Ericka) Watry and Charles Watry; 8 great-grandchildren: Abigail and Melanie Vosters, Claire and Steven Warpinski, Madison, Kyleigh and Annabel Steffek; and Cody Steffek; and 2 step great-grandchildren: Orion and Zoe Watry. He is further survived by a sister, Sue Bob Siewert, Oshkosh; and sister-in-law, Carol Piontek, Green Bay; and many nieces and nephews. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Beatrice Steffek; sister and brother-in-law, Diane Lloyd Troullier; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tony Betty Maurer; and brother-in-law, Raymond Piontek. Friends may call at Knutson-Cotter Funeral Home, 536 County Rd R, Denmark, on Monday, August 29, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Parish Prayer Service and American Legion Service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, Aug. 30th, at All Saints Catholic Church, Denmark, from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Tuesday at 10:30 am with Rev. Ron Colombo officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Rod’s family would like to thank the staff at Harmony of Denmark, Fr. Ron and Sr. Gerri, and to the many friends who gave their assistance and support during Rod’s illness.