Stephen E. Holmgren

MADISON – Stephen Eric Holmgren, age 79, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis., on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Born in Madison on November 7, 1946, to parents, Luther E. and Florence A. Holmgren, Stephen (aka “Steve”) was the fourth of five children. He grew up living in Shorewood Hills, where he enjoyed playing basketball and taking summer trips to Lake Gogebic with his family. Several of his childhood friendships blossomed into cherished lifelong bonds. Stephen graduated from West High School in 1965 and went on to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs in 1969.

Stephen had a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement. As a student in D.C., Stephen served as a staff assistant for Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and a research analyst for the Washington Service Bureau. After graduating, he moved back to Wisconsin, where he worked for Governor Patrick J. Lucey (1970–1977) as Statewide Schedule Director and Executive Assistant, serving as the governor’s liaison in the State Assembly, Executive Office liaison with major cabinet agencies, and personal advisor for the administration’s legislative program. 

From 1977 to 1979, Stephen worked briefly as a Research Analyst for Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue. He then joined the private development sector, where he spent the next twenty years working for construction companies such as American Medical Buildings, The Turner Corporation, and J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. In his private sector roles as Vice President of Development, Vice President of Marketing, and Director of Business Development, he contributed to large infrastructure projects, such as the construction of hospitals and convention centers, including the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. He returned to public service in his later years, serving the State of Wisconsin Elections Board, before retiring in 2008.

In 1973, Stephen married Doreen Adamany. During more than 30 years of marriage, they raised two children, Meredith Holmgren (b. 1981) and Peter Holmgren (b. 1983), and shared a strong commitment to family. In 2019, Peter and his wife, Kristin, blessed Stephen with twin grandchildren, Narelle and Everett Holmgren, who became a great joy in his life.

Stephen was a voracious reader who amassed an extensive personal library focused on political history, American history, and historical fiction. “Without a doubt, my love of books has been one of the most important parts of my life,” Stephen once said. In retirement, he expressed his passions for reading and public service by serving on the Southwest Wisconsin Library System’s Board of Trustees, the Barneveld Public Library Board, and as a Barneveld Village Trustee.

Friends and family remember Stephen as a loving father and grandfather, and a dedicated friend. He was a captivating storyteller and wordsmith. He cared about good governance and remained civically engaged into his later years. In his free time, he enjoyed reading to his grandchildren, playing fantasy football with his son, and cheering Wisconsin’s many sports teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. He also had an endearing sweet tooth, never turning down a homemade cookie or dark chocolate treat.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents; as well as his sister, Marta (Jeffrey) Fitzwilliam. He is survived by his sisters, Karen (Richard) Bulman and Ann Houston; his brother, John (Marge) Holmgren; his children, Meredith (Anders Pedersen) Holmgren and Peter (Kristin) Holmgren; his former wife, Doreen Adamany; his two grandchildren, Narelle and Everett Holmgren; as well as many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Stephen will take place at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m.  on Friday, November 6, 2026, with visitation until 3 p.m. Flowers and cards may be sent to the family in care of the funeral home.

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

Gunderson East                                                                                                                                          Funeral & Cremation Care                                                                                                                                5203 Monona Drive                                                                                                                                   (608) 221-5420