Brian G. Stieber

Brian Stieber, 67, of Marathon, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 15, 2026, while battling bladder cancer.

He was born on August 20, 1958, to Jerome and Mary (Brunner) Stieber. He attended Marathon High School and was a proud UW-Madison alumnus, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy.

Brian was a dedicated community pharmacist for 43 years. He began his practice at his father’s drugstore in Marathon and later took ownership of Stieber Drugs. He also worked at Shopko Pharmacy and ended his career as the manager of the Grand Avenue location of Young’s Pharmacy. In addition to serving his patients, Brian served his beloved parish, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Marathon. He began playing piano at church services in college and continued through the rest of his life as music director. He considered his church to be his “second home.” In retirement, he delighted in serving as a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s School. Additionally, every Memorial Day beginning in the 1970s, Brian played taps for the American Legion's honor guard that travels to Marathon County's rural cemeteries to honor veterans.

Through his marriage to Teresa Starzinski, Brian was a loving and supportive father to Marissa and Brad. And through his relationship with Keri McKaig, Brian was an enthusiastic “sports dad” to Adam. After their marriage, Brian gained another son in Marissa’s husband, Michael. Later on in life, Brian found his “forever friend” in Mary Hogue. Brian’s ability to love unconditionally was only amplified by the littlest love of his life, his grandson, Max.

Brian was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, but not always watching them because of some intense superstitions. His final years were often spent in the car with Mary on short trips to Briq’s for ice cream or long trips to National Parks for sightseeing. Brian was early into his battle with cancer, but he was steadfast in his commitment to making a full recovery to be there for big and little life moments with Mary, his children, grandchild, and siblings.

Survivors include his friend, Mary Hogue of Wausau; children, Marissa (Michael) Weiss of Madison, Brad Stieber of Madison, and Adam McKaig of Wausau; grandson, Max Weiss; brother and sisters, Scott (Beth) Stieber of Wausau, Lori (Scott) Schutte of Wausau, Lisa (Joe) Breaman of Irma, and Beth (Mike) Martin of Madison; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Mary Stieber.

The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The funeral Mass will follow with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to St. Mary’s School, Marathon www.stmarysmarathon.org