Obit: Stieber, Michael J. (1921 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Stieber, Gassner, Gries, Pech, Widra, Gibson

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 08/11/2012

Stieber, Michael J. (18 JUN 1921 - 8 AUG 2012)

Michael J. Stieber, age 91, of Colby, passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in the Colonial Center Nursing Home with his wife at his side.

Mike was born on June 18, 1921 in Marathon, WI to Roman and Emma (Gassner) Stieber. His family moved to Colby in 1928 when they purchased the local hardware store. Mike attended St. Mary's Catholic School and Colby High School which he graduated from in 1940. After his graduation he dedicated himself to a life of service to his family, community and nation.

Mike enlisted in the army in 1942 to serve in World War II. He was 21 years old when he entered the Army Signal Corps. He was sent to Camp Murphy, FL to study a new, top secret technology - radar. He was initially assigned to the signal corps and was later transferred to the 9th Air Force troop carrier unit to maintain airborne radar units. He served in the Rhineland, Central Europe, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

He spoke of one particular instance when his unit was stationed in England. They were tasked with installing new radar equipment (jammers?) in a fleet of planes. However, they were sequestered for the weeks prior and after the installation. This level of secrecy was unheard of - it was clear something big was on the horizon. The date was late May of 1944 - the days just proceeding D-Day and the invasion of Normandy.

Mike was honorably discharged from the military December 30, 1945 with a rank of Tech Sergeant. He went back to Colby, Wisconsin to work in the family gas and propane distribution business.

Mike married the former Audrey Gries in 1952. He and Audrey celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 9th of this year. Together they raised four children (Chris, Jeff, Carol and Cathy), withstood one dog (miserable pot licker...), built a house, kept a summer cabin, taught the kids how to drive, water ski, fish, draw a beer from a tap, work hard, respect others and be decent human beings... a tall order, without a doubt.

His list of community service organizations and leadership positions is extensive:

•Colby Postmaster in 1956 until his retirement on December 31, 1984

•Active member of St. Mary's Church

•Chairman of the Colby Centennial Committee - he grew an outstanding handlebar mustache for the occasion!

•Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus

•Second ward alderman - Colby City Council

•Colby Volunteer Fire Department

•Colby Chamber of Commerce

•VFW

•American Legion

Mike loved the outdoors. He was never happier than when he was sitting behind the wheel of a ski boat, pulling skiers for hours with the sun beating down, warming his body and soul. He also enjoyed playing golf and going fishing early in the morning. He taught his kids to see the beauty in the Wisconsin landscape - he would marvel at the simple beauty of a farmhouse, the crops, the gently rolling hills of central Wisconsin. Through his voice you could sense his love of the countryside - and his appreciation was contagious.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers (Joseph and David). He is survived by his wife Audrey, sister LaVera (Joseph) Pech, children Chris (Ron) Cross, Jeffrey (Barbe) Stieber, Carol (Leonard) Widra and Cathy (David) Simpson, and six grandchildren: Quincy, McKenzie and Colby Stieber, Rachel and Joshua Widra and Renee Gibson.

Mike has left us and has gone on to play sheepshead with his friends, brothers and parents in the hereafter. When we see him again we'll be happy to deal us in. Until then we'll miss him very much.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colby. A visitation will be held Sunday, August 12, from 4-7 PM at the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Colby and again from 10 AM until the time of service at the church on Monday. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Colby.

The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home of Colby is assisting the Stieber family with arrangements.