Gerald Steffen

Gerald Steffen, 79, Wausau, died Sunday January 9, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born December 20, 1931 in Wausau, son of the late Richard and Laura (Drewek) Steffen. Gerald, a graduate of Wausau High School, proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marines Corps. It was while home on leave from Camp Pendleton in Southern California when Gerald first met Patricia Schedlo though his sister Lauretta. A little over one year later, Gerald and Patricia were married on September 1, 1954 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Halder. Shortly after settling down in Wausau and starting a family, Gerald began working for GTE as a PBX repairman, a job he held until he retired in 1992. Birddog enjoyed many activities including fast pitch softball, hunting, dartball, basketball and also coached basketball at St. James Catholic grade school and later, women's softball. Another one of his hobbies was cribbage and, with Patricia, was a member of a Wausau cribbage club which met monthly for 40 years. Gerald also loved watching all levels of hockey and was an avid Packers fan (and stockholder) who enjoyed watching Green Bay play with his brother-in-law Donald Imhoff. Other loves included spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren) and heading to Northern Wisconsin to his family's lake house near Minocqua. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, Wausau; children Gerald Steffen Jr., Palm Desert, CA; Leigh (Rick) Strassman, Maplewood, MN; Michael (Mary) Steffen, Wausau; Patrick (Renee) Steffen, New Richmond, WI; and Kathryn (Tim) Ball, Stillwater, MN. Grandchildren include Jacob and Kate Strassman; Amy (Jon) Danielson, Eric and Michelle Steffen; Andrew and Sarah Steffen; and Sydney, Cecilia and Sadie Ball. Surviving siblings include David (Audrey) Steffen, Land O Lakes and Lauretta (Gordon) Wagner, Indiana. Besides his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by brothers Melvin and Richard, and sisters Dolores, Delphine, Linda and Lillian. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com