Steven Graham Boyle

MADISON-A golden heart stopped beating on Saturday, May 27, 2017.  Steven Graham Boyle, age 63, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  Steve was born on Jan. 25, 1954, in Madison, to William R. and Phyllis G. Boyle.  Steve graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1972, then attended MATC where he earned his welder’s certification.  He went on to earn his journeyman’s certification in HVAC where he was a proud card-carrying union man for 35 years.  Steve retired in January, 2015 following a 30 year career with General Heating & Air Conditioning.  Steve met the love of his life, Sherry Munz-Boyle in February, 1978.  Steve and Sherry were married in October, 1983 and purchased a home in Madison in 1985, where they raised their three children.  Steve’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Kelly, Katelyn, and Joe.  When they were young, Steve relished being involved in all of his children’s many activities, including painfully out of tune band concerts, Girl and Boy Scout door-to-door cookie and popcorn sales, and teaching them to drive a clutch as soon as they could reach the pedals.  As young adults, Steve took considerable pride and joy in watching his children achieve their dreams, emulating his immense work ethic to always give 110%.  Steve was a member of the Steamfitters Local No. 601 and the Four Lakes Yacht Club. He enjoyed shooting pool for the Antler’s Tavern and golfing in the Door Creek Wednesday night league for many years.  He loved traveling to Destin, Fla., and Clam Lake, Wis., his two “favorite places on earth.” Sherry, Kelly, Katelyn, Joe, and Alex took Steve on one last vacation to each of these places, where memories were relived and new ones created. Highlights of the Destin trip were Steve reeling in a 15 pound King Mackerel from the Gulf of Mexico with his family cheering him on, as well as renewing his wedding vows with Sherry.  Steve loved working on his cars and motorcycles, putzing in his man cave, being Sherry’s unpaid assistant in her business, attending car auctions, golfing with Joe, playing euchre with the family and poker with his buddies, watching his beloved Packers and Badgers, maintaining his pristine lawn, and keeping up with current events.  Steve was a friend to all and would offer the shirt off his back to anyone.  He was his friends’ and neighbors’ “fix it guy”, available to help with HVAC and anything mechanical 24/7, 365.  He had a special knack for knowing “how to” just about anything, and never hesitated to share his advice and knowledge.  Steve adored spending time with his children, continuously putting family first and prioritizing the needs of his children above all else.  He rarely let them leave the house without slipping a $20 bill inside their palm, or telling them to “drive safe and watch for deer”, or “safety first”, or “call us when you get home”…and always an “I love you”.  Steve is survived by his wife, Sherry; his children, Kelly, Katelyn (fiancé, Alex), and Joe; father-in-law, Richard Munz; mother-in-law, DeDe Munz; siblings, Rick (Cindy) Boyle, Lynn (Gordon) Lonsdale, Barb Kopenski, John Munz, Tom (Shawn) Munz, Bill (Kathy) Munz, and Steve (DeAnn) Munz; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Worner, Julie (Steve) Zimmerschied, Jill Munz, Robert (Brandi) Munz, Adrianne Munz, Michael Munz, Niki Munz, Hailey Munz, Jacob Munz, Oriah Lonsdale, Jacob (Lisa) Lonsdale, Ben (Karen) Lonsdale, Emily (Jeremy) Morris, Alice (Seth) Curtis, Ian Lonsdale, Kevin (Claudia) Boyle, Christopher Boyle, Patricia Boyle, and Willie Kopenski; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends.  Steve was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Pat Best; father-in-law, Bill Best; brother-in-law, Dick Kopenski; brother-in-law, Bob Munz; sister-in-law, Jessie Munz; and niece, Ashly Munz.  An informal gathering of family and friends will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Dr. (corner of Sprecher Rd. and Dominion Dr.), Madison at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2017, followed by a Celebration of Steve’s life at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Bob Robinson presiding. Per Steve’s wishes, the Celebration of Life will then continue at Door Creek Golf Course where we will tip one (or two) in Steve’s honor.  Our family would like to express our immeasurable gratitude to the caring doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Glenn Liu and Dr. Mark Ritter, and also to Nicole, Carmen, and all of the extraordinary angels at Agrace HospiceCare for their deeply compassionate care.  We would also like to thank Steve’s family members, friends, and neighbors for your outpouring of love and support.  In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any memorials given in Steve’s name be directed to UW Carbone Cancer Center or to Agrace HospiceCare.  God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come with me.”  With tearful eyes we watched you as you slowly slipped away, and though we loved you dearly, we couldn’t make you stay.  Your golden heart stopped beating, your tired hands put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!  We will carry a piece of you in our hearts forever, Dad; rest in much-deserved eternal peace.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.