Norman R. Steffanus, 90

Norman R. Steffanus, age 90, of Nekoosa, died April 7, 2025.

He was born Jan. 29, 1935, in Ellis, to the late Clements and Gertrude (née Doyle) Steffanus. He grew up on the family dairy farm and moved to Stevens Point at age 16. He graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1953. He went on to attend YELE Tech in Minneapolis and graduated with honors from Waukesha County Technical College with an associate degree in electronics.

In 1954, Steffanus began working for the Soo Line Railroad as a telegraph operator. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 14, 1957, serving as a high-speed radio operator in Germany. He was honorably discharged on April 30, 1959, with the rank of specialist (SP4), receiving commendations for good conduct and marksmanship. He returned to the Soo Line Railroad, then joined Wisconsin Bell/AT&T in 1964, where he worked until retiring in 1995.

On Feb. 24, 1968, he married Janet J. Dannenberg (née Dannenberg) at St. William Parish in Waukesha. The couple shared 57 years together.

Steffanus was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who prioritized family. He was an avid fan of the Bucks, Brewers, and Packers. He helped start a youth soccer team in Waukesha and coached several teams, including those of his wife and children. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and traveling, and later embraced lake life at Lake Camelot after retiring in 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Leanna Manser; sons, Kevin (Melissa Shaske) Steffanus and Todd (Susan Scherwinski) Steffanus; grandchildren, Liam, Kylee, Samantha, Simon, Wyatt, Owen, and Autumn; and a brother, LeRoy (Connie) Steffanus. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; and sisters, Lorraine Welp, Diane Thompson, Mary Ditter, and Gertrude Steffanus.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m.on  Tuesday, April 22, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 711 Prospect Ave., Nekoosa. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.