Steven Pitterle

MIDDLETON - Steven J. Pitterle, age 77, of Middleton, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in the company of his wife and other loved ones. He was born on August 23, 1947, in Watertown, the son of Ervin and Margaret Roffeis Pitterle.

Steve graduated from Watertown High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1970. He also earned credits toward a master’s degree in business from UW-Madison.

On June 21, 1969, Steve married Barbara Bollig at St. Bernard in Middleton. They had three children, Holly Hallgren (Nelson), Jamie (Jackie) and Rick (Brooke); and ten grandchildren, Hannah, Leo, Dalilah, Lucy, Whitney, Sam, Jacob, Stella, Ryan and Rose.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; children; grandchildren; as well as his sister, Kristine. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Dave Peterson and Bob Erdman.

Steve and Barb traveled extensively in the U.S. with their children and also brought them on some trips to Europe over the years. They cherished all the trips they were able to take.

Steve loved all sports and attended as many of his children's and grandchildren's activities as possible. He especially loved baseball and attended many Brewers/Braves games, some more recent with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed running in his earlier years and fishing whenever possible in northern Wisconsin.

Steve loved his career in Telecommunications in various upper management positions over a 47-year period, including 34 years with GTE/VZ and 13 years with TDS. His work led to moves to Indiana for GTE, Texas for VZ and back to Wisconsin for TDS. Steve was outgoing and loved the challenges as well as the social aspects of his work in Government Affairs and also Negotiations with major Telecom companies. His peers and competitors often commented on his integrity and fairness in the course of his interactions with them as well as an upbeat attitude.

Steve served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1970-1976, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. His Infantry unit was not sent to Vietnam.

Steve was also active in church and many community volunteer organizations over his adult life, including roles as President of the Waunakee Wisconsin Optimist Club on two separate terms and also as Lt. Governor for several Madison area Optimist Clubs. He was also Scoutmaster for the Waunakee Boy Scout troop from 1995 -1997. After moving to Texas, he became Assistant Scoutmaster in Southlake, Texas, working at times with Scouts advancing to the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

In his Catholic Parish work, Steve served as Financial Committee Chair, Parish Council member, Lector, and founder of an outreach group all within St. Peter’s Parish in Eagle River over a period of 15 years from 2006-2021. He also was on the board for an interdenominational group of parishes serving the needy and low-income people in the Eagle River area.

Steve especially loved delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly in the St. Germain, Wis., area for over two years and then in the Middleton area for two years. He also served as a member of the St. Bernard parish's St. Vincent De Paul Society for three years.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, with Father Brian Dulli presiding. A graveside service with military honors will follow at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow the burial at the church. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761