Steven Paul Schimelpfenig, 72, of Wautoma passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Steve was born on Friday, December 19, 1952, in Wautoma, Wisconsin to Marlin and Doreen Schimelpfenig. Steve grew up on the family farm and graduated from Wautoma High School in 1971 where he excelled in track and field.
On December 19, 1971 on his 19th birthday after receiving his draft notice in the mail, Steve left the family farm to serve his country in the United States Army. After basic training he was sent to New York, awaiting deployment to Vietnam but his orders were changed and he was sent to Indianapolis, Indiana where he served as an MP (Military Police) at Fort Benjamin Harrison. This was a very proud time for him, and he had many stories about it that he often shared. While stationed there, Steve met and fell in love with a young lady named Donna Reed from Indianapolis.
After he was honorably discharged from the Army, Steve and Donna moved back to the family farm in Wautoma where they married and welcomed 5 children of their own. Steve worked very hard operating his own business as a mason for as many years as he was physically able to. Throughout those years, he employed many people, even if just long enough to get them back on their feet. He taught all his children the trade and instilled a lasting work ethic in them. Steve was well known for providing quality work at a fair price.
When he wasn't working, he enjoyed trout fishing, deer hunting, spending time with family and having some beers with his close buddies. Steve also enjoyed a good auction and attended many over the years. In fact, he had a permanent bidding number with Yoder Auction, #19, which he hailed as his lucky number for much of his life. He had a hard time passing up a good deal, even if he didn't need it. When asked what he planned on doing with his auction haul, his response would be, “someone might need it someday” or “whoever dies with the biggest pile is the winner”, and now that the dust has settled, we think Dad won.
Steve will be greatly missed and remembered for his hard work, his many stories, a good dirty joke, his stubbornness and his seemingly endless wisdom, in which he shared with many.
Steve is survived by his former but close spouse Donna Schimelpfenig, Wautoma, WI, 5 children: Jason Schimelpfenig, Wautoma, WI; Heather Livingston (Mike Lenarduzzi), Green Bay, WI; Brandon Schimelpfenig (Iraq War veteran) (Linda Her), Kaukauna, WI; Adam (Kaylyn) Schimelpfenig, Wautoma, WI; Clinton (Heather) Schimelpfenig, Neshkoro, WI; his 9 grandchildren: Dylan Schimelpfenig, Jason Schimelpfenig Jr; Amber Smith, Jenna Smith (US Marine Corps –actively serving), Hannah Smith; Marlin Schimelpfenig, Jolynn Schimelpfenig, Robyn Schimelpfenig; Levi Schimelpfenig; 2 step grandchildren: Paxton and Lexi; his 3 sisters: Donna Schimelpfenig, Montello, WI, Marlene Mirr (John Mark), Princeton, WI, and Susan Loeffler (Jay Hartz), Wautoma, WI; cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Marlin (WW2 veteran – Patton’s Ghost Corps) and Doreen Schimelpfenig, brothers Marlin (Mick) Schimelpfenig, Ralph Schimelpfenig, adopted brother Mike Martinez, grandchild Wrenlee Schimelpfenig, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and his many friends that he spoke of often and missed dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, Wautoma followed by Military Honors and burial in Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Wautoma. The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Leikness Funeral Home and again at church on Friday from 10 AM until the time of services.
