Steven W. Pagelsdorf

Steven William Pagelsdorf, age 68, of Richfield, Wisconsin, was born April 22, 1956, to Howard and Audrey Pagelsdorf in Milwaukee. On December 26, 2024, he passed away at home sitting in his recliner and surrounded by family and friends after spending one last Christmas with his family.

Steve and Denise met at James Madison High School in 1972 at the ages of 16 and 15. When dating, they enjoyed evenings out with their friends and family at The Attic West and family basement gatherings at the Meyer home in Milwaukee. They married on December 2, 1978, welcoming a son, Ash Stevenson in 1979 - followed by a daughter, Jamie Marie in 1981. Steve began working at Jay’s Standard Station as a teenager until joining a semi-family tradition at Briggs & Stratton, retiring after 30 years. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, riding his motorcycle, and working with his hands, building or fixing things. He was always willing to help anyone with a task that needed to be done. His son learned from him how to build things and from that example, Ash is now creating a bakery for his own wife to grow in the future. This bakery is something Steve was extremely proud of. The two of them also enjoyed playing video games together, often staying up late into the nights and weekends getting lost in the mystical worlds side by side.

Those that know him well know Steve was wildly sarcastic; a trait that his daughter inherited to her core and the two of them shared this unique language often at the expense of Denise, his wife. It provided a lot of laughter in the home, a sound already missing. His sarcastic humor was only surpassed by his devotion to those he loved. His love for his family was felt always. Nothing was ever too much or too hard. Steve made sure every need was met. His love extended to his pets, all of which he requested to be buried with. Most recently, a herd of feral cats adopted him. These cats, which include Mustache, Princess, Davy, Chloe and Sam, brought him comfort in the last few years as he was no longer able to care for an animal in the home.

His battle with cancer lasted five years. He fought very hard, and endured pain that so many in our family have also felt. Steve met each challenge with grace and courage and accepted each treatment offered to him knowing it only offered a little more time and never a cure. His wife Denise cared for him throughout the treatment, honoring the vow made in 1978. His daughter, son, and daughter-in-law also cared for and spent many days and nights by his side throughout the treatments. His absence will be felt by so many with each of us missing a different puzzle piece that completed us.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Audrey. He is survived by his wife, Denise Pagelsdorf; his son, Ash Pagelsdorf (Chatchaya); his daughter, Jamie Pagelsdorf; and his brother, Wayne Pagelsdorf. He is also survived by numerous other extended family and friends.

A special thanks to the team of Lily Hospice and nurse Casey who quickly took Steve into their care on Christmas Eve and the Froedtert Cancer Center for the years of care provided.

“When all that’s left of me is love, Give me away”

VISITATION: Steven’s family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service will follow visitation at 2:30 p.m., with Celebrant Jim Schutte officiating the service.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Steven’s arrangements. Additional information and tribute wall can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.