Gerry M. Steif

Gerry Steif, Wausau, died Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after a courageous 8 month battle with cancer. She was born April 18, 1939 in Wausau, daughter of the late Albert and Marion (Wanta) Kramer. On February 23, 1963 she was united in marriage to Ronald J. Steif at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. He preceded her in death on February 19, 2005. Gerry loved the outdoors, sunflowers and long walks. She enjoyed endless hours mowing her lawn in the summer sun and sometimes even by the light of the moon and headlight! She loved to sit on the pontoon boat and cast for the elusive "Big One" up north at the cabin. Her grandchildren could always count on Grammy's cookie jar being full of Oreos. Gerry was a terrific traditional cook and nearly every Sunday her family looked forward to gathering at "Grandma Gerry's" for a huge lunch. She was patiently passing on to her granddaughter her secret for making perfect gravy as only she could make it. Gerry's favorite times were spent at her grandchildren's sporting events. She was their biggest fan and cheerleader, always encouraging and supporting their every effort. She traveled many miles to watch them, and along the way made many "bleacher friends" with other proud grandparents. Gerry is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Paul Knoblock, and their children, Brandon and Bradley; her son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Jackie Steif, and their children, Kimberley and Nathan. She is further survived by her mother-in-law, Sophie Steif, sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Gerald) Ostroski, Duluth, Minnesota and her brothers, Al (Dawn) Kramer, Weston and Art "Skip" Kramer, Rothschild. Honoring Gerry's wishes private family services will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Gerry's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Aspirus Palliative Care for the kindness and compassion they shared with Gerry and her family during the last few weeks. We will be forever grateful for your caring, professionalism and understanding.