Steven John Lieber

Memorial Visitation – Friday, May 12, 2023, from 5 pm-7 pm

at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES 9200 S 27^th St., Oak Creek

 

Steven John Lieber, known as “Steve”

Steve’s journey on this earth ended on May 6, 2023, at 71, after a courageous battle due to complications related to a stroke he had suffered recently. He was surrounded by his daughters Rebecca and Stacey, his second wife and caregiver Shirley, and his canine companion Freddie Mercury at home.

A stubborn force to be reckoned with, Steve was born in Rockford, Illinois, on April 2, 1952. He graduated from Rockford West High School with the class of 1970. On September 8, 1973, he married Carol Scandroli in Rockford, Illinois. They had two daughters, Rebecca and Stacey. In 1987 the family moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin, and later divorced.

Steve married his second wife, Shirley Farrell (Van Ruden), on January 15, 2000, in Burlington, Wisconsin, and they hung in there for the remainder of his life through all the ups and downs life tossed their way. Shirley’s family embraced him and became his family, including daughters Michelle (Jeremi) Peck and Tina Marie Farrell and Michelle’s sons Tyler and Kyle Peck and other relatives.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Shirley. Her family includes daughters Michelle (Jeremi) Peck and Tina Marie Farrell, Michelle’s sons Tyler and Kyle Peck, sibling Jim (Lois) Van Ruden, sister-in-law Barb Van Ruden, and other relatives.

He is also survived by his first wife, Carol Lieber, and daughters Rebecca Tuula and Stacey (Nick) Haff; grandchildren: Nathan Lieber, Brianna Lieber, Grace, and Jackson Tuula; great-grandson Owen Lieber; nephews PJ (Jessica) Burleson and Shawn Burleson; great-nephews Kaiden and Mason Burleson, sibling Penny Burleson, and ex-son-in-law Ben Tuula.

During his childhood and adolescence, many memories were made of boating and fishing on the idyllic waters of Lake Wisconsin, which was his “happy place.” He fondly recalled spending time with his paternal grandparents at their lake home, where he, his family, and friends enjoyed most weekends and holidays.

The outdoors was Steve’s church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed nature’s beauty, especially the early sunrise over the lake while casting a pole or walking through the woods with the rustling of fallen leaves beneath his feet and the stillness of freshly fallen snow while hunting In the Lodi area with Gibraltar Rock rising 200 feet above the surrounding landscape.

Steve always found the time to enjoy a good round of golf and was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and proud co-owner of one stock and a signed cookbook by LeRoy Butler.

During his working years, Steve held various positions, mainly in freight transportation, as a local driver, supervisor, terminal manager, and dispatcher, retiring from R&L Carriers. He was most proud of his work for Valley USA, working with a crew of skilled carpenters who gave him a chance to showcase his carpentry skills. Steve’s work can be found in many residential backyards and businesses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, including decks, benches, and gazebos.

After retiring, he pursued a quieter life at home, mowing the lawn on his John Deere rider, rearranging hostas in his beautiful flower gardens, keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood from his kitchen window, traveling the backroads Up North, stopping at an occasional casino or antique store and visits with his good friend Geno Marks at his cabin.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved father, Howard “Red” Lieber, paternal grandparents Faye and Fritz Lieber, half-brother Gary Lieber (his wife Pam), and brother-in-law Phil Burleson. Shirley’s siblings, Coreen Moyes (Van Ruden), Elaine Gorres (Van Ruden), Jerry Van Ruden, and sister-in-law Shirley Van Ruden, held a special place in his heart.

Steve loved rock music, especially the band QUEEN. He had an extensive collection of vinyl records and enjoyed listening to them, paired with a glass of Three Olives Vodka and a Swisher Sweet Cigar.

People gravitated to Steve due to his larger-than-life personality, amazing humor, and always ready for a good conversation. To say Steve was opinionated is probably an understatement. He was always willing to share his thoughts and opinions, listen to your side if it differed, and then tell you that you were wrong (because he was right 99% of the time). He would go out of his way to help others without expecting anything in return.

Many good neighbors and friends will miss his presence in the neighborhood, including Tom and Carisa Putz, Chris and Christine Diltz, and Kurth Rosploch.

A memorial visitation in honor of Steve will be held Friday, May 12, 2023, from 5 pm-7 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES, 9200 S 27^th St., Oak Creek

In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, to the family would be appreciated.

Shirley and Stacey would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the St Luke’s Medical Center nurses and doctors in the ER, Cardiology Department, and ICU for their compassionate care and the Aurora at Home Hospice and Palliative Care team of nurses for their support and guidance in caring for Steve during his final days at home.

He touched so many lives; his legacy will live on in all those who met him, loved him, and had the honor of calling him a friend.

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