Stephen Lonsdorf

Stephen Lonsdorf, aged 38, passed away on September 11, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to complications following a surgery, with his family by his side. Steve was a lifelong resident of Wausau, attending G.D. Jones Elementary, John Muir Middle School, and graduating from Wausau West High School in 2005. He also studied at the University of Wisconsin Marathon County campus.

Steve began work at Rib Mountain IGA at age 14 during his high school years. He started at check-out and worked into Department Manager at Lamb’s Fresh Market. He cherished his job and the family-like group of coworkers he had been with for 23 years, rarely missing a day of work. Additionally, he worked for a time as a Regional Manager for Primerica. Steve was known for his responsibility, sincerity, hard work, and sensitivity, earning the respect of friends and colleagues alike. His exceptional customer service skills and genuine care for people were widely recognized.

From a young age, Steve had a passion for sports. He played Little League and was a member of the golf team at Wausau West. His love for golf continued into adulthood, where he played at local courses weekly, regardless of the weather, often solo. A devoted Packers fan, Steve and his friends made it a tradition to attend at least one game at Lambeau Field each season. He enjoyed watching professional basketball, especially when Michael Jordan played. Steve and his closest friends also eagerly anticipated their annual rafting trips on the Wolf River for his birthday.

In the mid-2000s, Steve and his friends formed a punk rock band called “Lower Class Citizens,” where he played bass alongside Justin on guitar, Mario on drums, Evan and Andrew on guitar. The band even embarked on a road trip to the East Coast in the summer of 2007. Steve’s love for music was enduring, and he continually played and learned more. His collection included seven guitars, one of which was his grandfather’s acoustic Gibson.

Steve and his mother shared a tradition of canning pickles each year using his grandmother’s recipe. He also enjoyed preparing homemade soups and holiday dishes, with his gourmet green bean and bacon dish being a family favorite. Steve’s cat “Jackie” also held a special place in his heart. Family gatherings were incomplete without a board game. Steve loved poker, especially Texas Hold ‘Em, or Seinfeld Trivia.

Steve is survived by his parents, Timothy and Stella Lonsdorf, and his sister Melody Lonsdorf. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Dolores Lonsdorf of Merrill, WI, and Herman and Florence Heldt of Owen, WI, his Uncle George Lonsdorf of Madison, WI, his aunt Jessica (Heldt) Purgett of Owen, WI and his Aunt Suzanne Lonsdorf of LaCrosse, WI.

Visitation for Stephen will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, WI 54403, on September 25 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a vigil service at 7:30 PM.

And on September 26 visitation will be at St Anne Catholic Church, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau, WI 54401 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM, with Rev Tom Lindner presiding.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at Willow Springs Garden, 5480 Hillcrest Drive, Wausau WI 54401.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com