Roger Lee Steen

Roger Lee Steen, 77, of Medford, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024, at his home.

He was born May 7, 1947, in Marshfield to Henry and Amanda (Dassow) Steen.  He grew up on the family farm east of Medford and graduated from Medford High School in 1965.

On February 19, 1966, Roger married his high school sweetheart Barbara Schlais at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford.  Shortly after their marriage, Roger joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and went to serve his country during Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1968.

After his military service, he and Barb lived in Pewaukee for a period of time.  In 1972, they moved back to Taylor County, eventually settling in Westboro. Starting in 1972, Roger began work as a certified welder at Conseco, taking on many of their more challenging projects.  When Conseco became Enerquip in 1985, he continued working as a welder, eventually transitioning into sales until his retirement from Enerquip in 2010.

Roger enjoyed being outdoors, with much time spent hunting, fishing and camping.  His favorite camping spot was at Lake Namekagon where for many years, he and Barb spent summer weekends with family and friends, with many stories (and a few beverages) shared around the campfire.

He was a huge sports fan and enjoyed watching most sports, but especially liked cheering on the Packers and Brewers. Roger spent many years playing softball for various local teams, but mostly for K&B Refrigeration.  He and Barb also bowled for many years and enjoyed playing in cribbage tournaments.  Roger was also a lifetime member of the Medford VFW Post 5729.

Roger is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara, his two children; Tammy Voelker of Abbotsford and Tommy (Kristy Heier) Steen of Medford.  He is further survived by granddaughter Carly (Chad) Fischer of Marathon, step grandsons Crandel (Kelcie) Weissmiller and Coyle (Taylor) Weissmiller, all of Medford, as well as four step great-grandchildren, Aspen, Willow, Harper & Owen Weissmiller.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray Sr & Galen Steen and sisters Shelby Zimmerlee, Bonnie Leach and Phyllis Brunner, as well as parents-in-law Clarence and Marjorie Schlais, son-in-law Don Voelker and great-granddaughter Chloe Amanda Fischer.

A celebration of life for Roger will be held from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, July 30 at the Medford VFW, 240 S. 8th St., Medford, with military honors at 2 p.m., provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.

Memorials are appreciated and may go to the Medford VFW towards their building fund.

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