John Steffes

John B. "Jack" Steffes, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home on October 19, 2018. Jack was born on November 11, 1928, to Leo and Mildred (Kolberg) Steffes in Sheboygan, WI. He graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1946, after which he was employed at Armour Leather Company. In 1951, he joined the US Army, where he was a member of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953 and returned to Sheboygan where he lived for the rest of his life.
Jack met the love of his life, Jean Kotnick, in 1953, and they were united in marriage on October 1, 1955, at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Their family grew with the addition of Jimmy, Susie, and Jon. Jack was known for always putting his family first.
As a young man, Jack played baseball, drove stock car, and enjoyed annual trips to the hunting camp in Northern Wisconsin.
He was a genuine sports enthusiast who loved the Braves, the Brewers, the Green Bay Packers and the Bucks. He passed this enthusiasm on to his children by taking his family to many games; when he no longer traveled, he enjoyed watching those same sports at home with whomever happened to be visiting.
Jack loved frying out brats and burgers for gatherings with family and friends. A gentle, caring man with a good sense of humor, he loved a good game of Sheepshead whenever the opportunity arose.
In later years, he stayed active by taking bicycle rides to Hika Bay and daily walks with his dog Princess. He found great joy just sitting in his backyard, watching the birds and wildlife passing through.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeannie, his son James, and his special brother-in-law Frank Kotnick. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Bill Rowlett) of Elk Mound, WI, son Jon of Sheboygan, grandchildren Ryan (Leslye) of Altoona, Alex of Madison, Kinzie of LaCrosse, and his great grandchildren Sydney and Owen. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Fran, special niece, Cheryl, and many other nieces and nephews ("cousins by the dozens").
The family would like to thank friends, the healthcare professionals at Medical Arts, neighbors Dennis and Mary, and other northside businesses Jack frequented for providing support throughout the years. A special thanks to the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice care professionals.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 26, at 11 a.m., at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church (822 New Jersey Avenue, Sheboygan) with Rev. Paul Fliss as celebrant. Visitation will be held on Friday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.
The family asks that memorials be directed to Sharon Richardson Hospice and the Humane Society of Sheboygan County.