Stephen Mark Paoli

Stephen Mark Paoli, 44, of Mosinee/Wausau passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Steve was born May 7, 1966, in Ashland, WI, to Ralph and Mary Ann (LePage) Paoli. Steve attended school at St. Anne's Elementary School, graduated from Wausau Newman High School and North Central Technical College. Steve held various sales and management positions in the area until his health forced him to retire. Steve had a love for speed, starting with his downhill skiing days, go-cart racing with his son and his love of stock cars. He progressed through the local tracks and lived for racing. His dream of racing side by side with Matt Kenseth, Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the rest of the boys at NASCAR was cut short. He made the right call to focus on raising his three lovely children, Shawna, Sydney, and Stephen. Steve dedicated his time and efforts to doing what is best for them. He devoted his time to his family and love of go-cart racing with his children. Many summer weekends were spent at his second home at Feely Lake in Mercer waking up to the call of the loons, enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of the north woods and fishing for the elusive musky. Steve was an inspiration to all of us for the courageous way he lived his life, dealing with his condition he never complained about the cards he was dealt. He gave everything he had for his children. Steve will be dearly missed by all and the memories and lessons about life he taught us will live on through his children and will not be forgotten. Survivors include his children Shawna attending the University of Colorado-Boulder, Sydney and Stephen of Weston. Parents Ralph and Mary Ann Paoli of Wausau his siblings, Suzanne (Mark) Shepard of Wayland, MA; Therese (Richard) Lee of Farmington Hills, MI; Ralph (Vicky) Paoli of Wausau; Michael (Katherine) Paoli of Holmen, WI; Paul (Cheryl) Paoli of Badin, NC; and Mary (Marcel) Fruneaux, Natick, MA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and the mother of his children Michele. Services will be Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Church of St. Anne in Wausau with visitation beginning at 8:30-11:30 AM and a Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30 AM. Rev. Steven Brice presiding. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up in his children's names and may be sent to 'The Stephen Paoli Memorial Fund' c/o Dan or Lori at River Valley Bank, 327 North 17th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401. We Love you Dad! Shawna, Sydney, & Stephen. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau, is in charge of arragements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com