Clarence S. Steger, 93, of Gleason, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Clarence was born December 26, 1929, in the Town of Summit, Langlade County, son of the late Steven and Minnie (Kluball) Steger. He married Joan DeMesy on August 27, 1955. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2009. Clarence enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1951, and was honorably discharged on February 13, 1953. Clarence was able to take the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2010 with his daughter, Gail. He was a life member of VFW Post 1638, Merrill. Clarence worked for many years as heavy machine operator at Musson Bros. out of Rhinelander and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 139. Clarence was a longtime member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason. He was a charter member of the Gleason Lion’s Club and was also a member of the Gleason Community Club. Clarence served several terms as the Town of Russell Town Supervisor. Clarence enjoyed playing the tuba and was a member of the “Finn Power Band” and the ‘Binder Twine Band”. He loved listening to polka music. Clarence was a great storyteller and poem writer and enjoyed playing cribbage and sheepshead. He loved baseball. Clarence was a Little League coach and softball coach. He played slow-pitch and hardball for several county teams. He also enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers.
Survivors include his daughters, Judy (Mark) Westberg of Wausau, Gail (Mark) Juhlke of Merrill, and Jodi Larocque of Spencer; daughter-in-law, LuAnn Steger of Gleason; grandchildren, Michele Steger, Sara Steger, Tasha (Jesse) Grabowski, Brad Juhlke, Kyle Juhlke, Ben (Anna) Kutil, Matthew (Bridget) Kutil, and DeAnne Larocque; great-grandchildren, Austin and Jordan Day, Brinley Grabowski, and Emma Kutil; sister, Lillian Novak of Deerbrook; brothers, Earl Steger of Antigo, John (Jean) Steger of Antigo, Dave (Sue) Steger of Antigo, and Edward (Kathy) Steger of Post Lake; sisters-in-law, Jean Thom of Gleason, Marilyn Shook of Defiance, OH, Katie (John) Ronis of Gleason, and Judy DeMesy of Merrill; brother-in-law, Dan Wedler of Rockford, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Steger; son, Steve Steger; parents, Steve and Minnie Steger; granddaughter, Courtney Juhlke; sons-in-law, Robert Kutil and Alan Larocque; sister, Phyllis (Kenneth) Bastle; sisters-in-law, Jackie Wedler and Bessie Steger; and brothers-in-law, Barney Thom, George Shook, Robert DeMesy, and Anton Novak.
The funeral service for Clarence will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Thursday at the church. Burial will take place in Summit Cemetery, Langlade County at a later date. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com