Steven C. Standke, of Mauston, passed in the comfort of his home on January 21, 2026, at the age of 78.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our special loved one. Steve was born on June 8, 1947 in Berlin, Wisconsin; son of the late Clarence G. Standke and Dorothy L. (Luhm) Standke. Steve was raised in Redgranite, Wisconsin and lived there until June of 2022. After his brother’s passing, he moved to be closer to his sister Heidi (Standke) Randall, in Mauston, where he met many new friends and enjoyed again having his own apartment.
Steve attended grade school in Redgranite. Over the next 40 years he worked at three different supported employment locations; Oshkosh, Berlin, and the Waushara Industries in Wautoma. Steve had many friends and had the honor of raising the flag every morning at Waushara Industries, something he was very proud of.
He was a very social person and enjoyed taking part in the work and social activities offered to him thru Waushara Industries. Special Olympics was a big part of Steve’s life and he enjoyed the weekly bowling and traveling to State bowling events. He also gave basketball a try, but bowling was his favorite. Steve truly enjoyed playing his many albums, cards, travelling with family, riding his bike, visiting friends in downtown Redgranite, family gatherings and attending Redgranite’s Labor Day celebration with his lifelong friend, Dennis Berray.
Steve is survived by his sister, Heidi Randall, Mauston, sister-in-law Barb Standke, Redgranite; nephews Matthew Standke, wife Sharon, and their children, Allison, Victoria, and Tyler of Chandler, AZ; and Ryan Standke and wife Summer Joy, and their children Cambria and Willow of Oshkosh.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Dorothy Standke, step-father James Bahn, brother Bill Standke, and many family members and friends. He is now reunited with those he dearly loved and missed.
Steve was special in many ways with his wit and love for people and community. The Lord gave him a life well lived. He was given many opportunities to shine and enjoy life to the fullest. Community and church, along with family support was strong influences in helping him adjust to life’s changes.
He was blessed with people who looked out for him including in-home caregivers and others. They helped him be independent in his own apartment for almost 19 years.
Family would like to thank Mauston EMS, Mauston Police Dept, Juneau County Sheriff’s Dept, and Noel Hare and Lisa Cody of Hare Funeral Home of New Lisbon for their compassionate care at the time of his passing.
If desired, memorials may be directed to Waushara County Special Olympics or the Redgranite Labor Day Committee.
A time of visitation to honor Steve’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite, WI, with funeral services starting at 11. A luncheon will follow at the Redgranite Lions Club Hall. Burial will occur at the Zion Lutheran Church cemetery in Neshkoro, WI.
The Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite is assisting with arrangements. Phone: 920-566-2313.
