Steven J. Fajfer's Obituary
Steve Fajfer, age 67, of Wild Rose died on December 3, 2023. He was born to Eugene and Elaine (Gawel) Fajfer on August 27, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Addison Trail High School in 1974 and furthered his education by attending Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, graduating with a BA in biology in 1978.
Steve's career began with the Department of Natural Resources in 1978 at Copper Falls State Park leading the Young Adult Conservation Corp program. Steve was hired at the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery in 1980 as a fish technician. He was promoted in 1984 to Fish Hatchery Supervisor at the St. Croix Falls Fish Hatchery before returning in 1987 to Wild Rose as the Natural Resources Operation Supervisor. He remained in this position for 30 years before retiring in 2017, completing 38 years of service with the DNR.
During his tenure, Steve provided direction and guidance to the aquaculture side of many successful programs including Seeforellen Brown Trout for Lake Michigan, restoration of the spotted muskies into Green Bay, and statewide lake sturgeon restoration. His vision to see the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery renovated was also something he worked to start, plan and provide oversight for the completion. He strived to improve conditions for the fish, working with a dedicated staff. He especially enjoyed all the public and private partners he had met and worked with, all who had the same passion about the resource and making a difference for the future.
Steve was an avid sportsman. The love of the outdoors was always a part of his life, whether at work or in his free time. He took yearly trips to Manatoba for goose hunting, and Texas for wild hog hunting. His annual trek to deer camp became a beloved tradition that lives on in the lives of those who were there. Fishing both freshwater or saltwater always ended as an adventure and story to follow. Prior to retirement, Steve learned how to saw lumber with a portable sawmill which became a part time business for him once he retired. He loved to cut logs into lumber. All of the wood that was used to build his home and shed was cut by him. He also enjoyed improving the quality of his land as he cared deeply about being a good steward.
Family meant everything to Steve. He and his wife took great pride and loving care in raising their two children. He shared his love for the outdoors and travel with them and instilled a respect for the environment and a sense of kindness for others. Each of the children spent sacred time with Steve only they shared. His commitment to his family is held in their hearts.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Fajfer, grandparents, William and Pauline Pfeiffer, and John and Helen Gawel. He is survived by his wife Ann, his two children; Robert Dugenske and Sarah (Nathan) Meier. His mother, Elaine Fajfer, siblings; Doreen (Mark) Mitchell, Ken (Vicky) Fajfer, Tom (Candice) Fajfer; sister- in- law; Ellen (Ron) Otten, brother-in-law Todd (Kathy) Weik, 6 nieces, and 6 nephews, and 1 grandniece.
Arrangements for celebrations of life are being planned and will be announced at a later date. The family has been assisted with the support of Holly Funeral Home. They would also like to thank Theda Care and ThedaCare Hospice for their caring and compassionate support
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