Stephen Martin "Steve" Schlimgen
May 01, 1950 - September 07, 2015
Obituary
POYNETTE-Stephen "Steve" Martin Schlimgen, age 65 of Poynette, passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in Poynette. He was born on May 1, 1950 in Madison, the son of Maurice and Mary Schlimgen. Steve met the love of his life, Carol Caucutt at the age of 15, and they married on Sept. 4, 1976, in Madison. He graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources. Steve was an exceptional DNR Warden, working for the State of Wisconsin from Jan. 3, 1984 to Feb. 27, 2004. He was a true steward of the resources of the State of Wisconsin and took great pride in his role in protecting the fish and game for future generations to enjoy, especially his grandsons and granddaughters, with whom he served as a tremendous role model and mentor. Steve was president of the Wisconsin Conservation Warden Association, led many youth programs, and was an instructor for ATV, boating, hunting, snowmobiling and trapping. He truly loved nature and the outdoors, including fishing and hunting. Steve also loved traveling and deep sea fishing trips. He was loved by all who knew him, and had a unique way of "calming" any situation by bringing humor into it. At any party, you knew that Steve may bring out his inner "Frank Sinatra". He had a heart of gold and was known for putting everyone else first, before himself. He will forever be known for his sense of humor and smile. Steve is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Laura Lin; son, Jason (Kristine); grandchildren, Ethan and Euan Lin, and Kylie, Kyndal and Ryan Schlimgen; sister, Kari Schlimgen (Dan Piorier); brother, Chuck (Donna); sister-in-law, Kathy; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Schlimgen. A Celebration of Steve's Life will be held at EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, with a time of sharing at 7 p.m. Steve, you will be missed tremendously. We love you always. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Fri Sep 11, 2015 @ 5:00 PM CDT
The East Side Club • 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53714
Photos
No photos of Stephen have been shared yet.
Memories
KK
Karen Knox
Other •
Dear Carol & family, I am so sad to hear of Steve's passing, a wonderful life taken way too soon. I have such fond memories of him and Dave in our younger days, the skiing trips, bus rides (leaving David behind) and all the fun that went along with that. I know he truly loved what he did and had many wonderful adventures throughout his life and I am sure he had no regrets. He truly was a rich man to have such wonderful family, friends, a job he enjoyed and living his life his way. He will always be remembered as a wonderful friend. I'm glad Joe and I had the opportunity to know you both and share some of the good times together. I'll bet, he David and Joe are enjoying their time together now in God's house. God Bless
LP
Linda Peck
Other •
So sad you weren't able to share your troubles with others. I will always remember laughing with you and Dale over Spotted Cows.
JR
Jim Reinke
Other •
Guapo, you always were the life of the party, I loved your laugh. It was always fun fishing with you, and help you clean your fish. Our trips to Mexico, Cozemel and the Dominican Republic were a blast. I will think of you always as a great friend.
East 72
TM
Tracy Morrical
Other •
My sincere condolences to Steve's family. When "Schlimmey" would visit us in the Columbia County 911/dispatch he brightened the room! He was a true gentleman, kind, funny and greatly respected by all. May you find peace in the upcoming days knowing he will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.
Tracy Morrical, COSO Communications Sgt., Retired.
SS
Susan Springman
Other •
Steve, it is hard to believe I met you over 45 years ago and watched you grow up from a fun loving young college student to a fun loving husband, father and grandfather. Steve was always the person who cheered you up when you were sad. He always made people laugh and smile. A friend to all. Steve, you will be so missed. I pray you are at peace. Carol and family, I pray you find the strength to handle this tremendous loss. Know you were all the light of his life. Susan Springman
TH
Tom Harelson
Other •
Dear Carol & family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing, but on this sad occasion am reminded of how honored I am to have known and worked with Steve. Steve was one of those rare guys that just knowing him made your life more enjoyable. His humor and wit were delightful. I never knew what was coming next when he did that sly little chuckle – was he going to make me laugh or would I leave wondering what he knew that I didn’t know?
I had the pleasure of directly and indirectly supervising Steve as a warden. Steve made a career of catching guys that couldn't be caught but always treated people with dignity and fairness. He was a great warden and the natural resources of this state will forever be more abundant because of his efforts!
There are a lot of great wardens, but Steve’s love for his family was special. He always told stores of Carol, Laura and Jason and seemed to find the perfect balance of family and work. I strongly believe that Steve’s greatest accomplishment wasn't the joy he gave other people, but in the family he leaves behind. The world will be a better place because of Steve Schlimgen.
Retired Chief Conservation Warden – Tom Harelson