Steve Joseph Katzmark, 75, of Superior, Wis. died Mon., July 30, 2013 in his residence.
He was born January 10, 1938 to Steve and Mary (Gouge) Katzmark in Superior and they preceded him in death.
He was a 1956 graduate of East High School. A few years later he entered the Army and was stationed in Korea working with the Military Police.
Steve retired with the rank of Captain on January 20, 1994 after 29 years of service on the Superior Fire Department. He had never missed a day of work. He was able to enjoy many years of retirement before his illness, which was diagnosed two months ago.
He and his wife, Mary Ann traveled often during retirement, seeing much of the United States, marveling at the beauty and diversity of our country.
Steve enjoyed simple pleasures, reading the morning papers with Mary Ann while enjoying coffee and he especially enjoyed the time spent with his four granddaughters. When the girls where little he must have watched 101 Dalmations hundreds of times with them. "Papa" enjoyed seeing the video as much as they did. When his sons were youngsters, he was the "official rower of the boat" while they fished for pan fish on Cranberry Lake. He also spent many hours biking and walking "Dotti the Dalmation", the family pet. Steve knew how to enjoy life one day at a time, and to be content in the moment.
Over the years, he recycled aluminum cans, bringing thousands of can tabs to McDonalds in five gallon buckets to support the Ronald McDonald House.
He was an active member of Holy Assumption Catholic Parish; the Retired Professional Firefighters of Wis.; The Old Town Travelers; the V. F. W. Post No. 1091; and The Busy Bodies.
Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife of forty-five years, Mary Ann; sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Susie Mattson of Poplar, Wis. and Tim and Tommi Mattson of Eau Claire, Wis.; granddaughters, Emily (Rob) Miller of Marengo, Wis., Elise Mattson of Poplar and Frances and Kermyn Mattson of Eau Claire; great-grandsons, Emmett and Hank Miller of Marengo; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Judy Katzmark and Edward and Kathy Katzmark all of Superior.
Steve's family would like to thank the St. Luke's Hospice staff for the compassionate care he received during his battle with cancer and for the care and concern shown to his family.
The Superior Fire Department Honor Guard will be present at Steve's memorial service on Tues., August 6th at 11:00 a.m. in Bethel Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior. Fr. Ronald Olson of Holy Assumption and Rev. Gary Garnatz of Bethel Lutheran will co-officiate. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church's fellowship hall.
Memorials are preferred to the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Assault or the Douglas County Humane Society.
Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St., is assisting the family with arrangements.