Stephen R. Poehlein
Stephen R. Poehlein, age 57, of Stockbridge, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, after a short battle of Kidney Cancer. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana; son of David Poehlein and Donna (Birchler) Poehlein.
Steve was a well-known man and knew someone everywhere he went. A simple trip to the local post office usually took some time. He had acquired several nicknames throughout the years; “Crawlerman” and “Cable” to name a couple. Steve was a dedicated and hard-working man. After his graduation from Westfield High School in Indiana, he went right into the workforce. For over 35 years he worked in the Telecommunications Industry and most recently worked for Telecom Construction as a Project Manager where he worked until his final days.
Steve briefly went into retirement where he obtained his license as a Charter Captain and was the owner and operator of Crawlerman Charters, LLC. Steve took groups out on Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan for salmon and walleye fishing trips. He was proud of his Charter Captain License and maintained it each year, but came out of retirement so he could go back into the workforce.
Steve loved his family and looked forward to spending time with them. Steve looked forward to hunting with his son, Brandon, each year and Sturgeon Spearing with the big group each winter. Steve loved spending with his love, Kim, traveling to watch NASCAR NHRA races and rooting for the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Steve would take every chance he could get to go out on his sparkly boat to go fishing. Steve loved spending precious time with his granddaughter, Kayleigh, whom he absolutely adored. He was also looking forward to next May when he could walk his little girl, Lizzy, down the aisle as she gets married.
His love and care for his gardens did not go unnoticed; he had straight rows and not a weed could be seen. He worked hard at keeping up his garden and relished the fresh and canned vegetables that were produced from it. Steve also loved filling his bird feeders and watching the birds in the backyard.
Steve was a member of many groups including: Stockbridge Harbor Fishing Club, Winnebago Eastshore Conservation Club, and NEWGLSFC.
The family of Steve would like to thank all of the Oncology team at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, the 4SW nursing staff, and family and friends for all your support, kindness, and help over the past weeks.
Steve was a funny, loving, and a helpful man. He will be missed by many, especially his fiancee, Kim Smith; his son, Brandon (Krysta) Poehlein of Stockbridge; daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Poehlein and fiancé Russ Hoelzel, Jr. of Neenah; grandchild, Kayleigh Hoelzel; Kim’s son, Josh Smith of South Beloit, IL; mother, Donna Poehlein; his siblings: David “Greg” Poehlein, Kristine (Steve) McGuire, Phillip (Debbie) Poehlein, Jennifer (Mike) Burton, David Poehlein (Victoria Ballester); and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Steve is predeceased by his father, David Poehlein.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 2-5 for visitation and service to follow at Wieting Family Funeral Home in Chilton (411 W Main St, Chilton). In lieu of flowers, please provide donations toward a memorial for Steve.