Scott M. Steinke

Scott Michael Steinke, age 57, passed away on February 27, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Appleton. Scott was born on November 12, 1967, to Vern and Margaret “Margie” (Schladweiler) Steinke in Wisconsin Rapids. Following his graduation from Lincoln High School in 1986, Scott attended Fox Valley Tech and trained to be a police officer. Scott served his communities for a combined 35 plus years as a police officer. He worked with the Hortonville township early in his career and Grand Chute Police department until his retirement in 2020.

In 1988, Scott moved to Appleton, and began work as a mall security guard, which is where he met Jewelry counter person Laurie Struck. On September 17, 1994, Scott and Laurie married at St John’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1995, the couple welcomed daughter Megan and two years later came Hannah. 

Scott was a 3-sport athlete in high school participating in Wrestling, Baseball and Football. All Wisconsin sports were important to Scott, he loved the Packers, Brewers and Bucks and passionately cheered on the UW Badgers on game days. Stormin’ Gorman Thomas was Scott’s favorite Brewer. He loved to watch All Star Wrestling on TV, and loved meeting Vince McMahon while working a security job. A fan of the ‘old westerns’ Scott always had John Wayne movies playing at home. He was an avid bowler and hunter. Brother Jay and Scott had an ongoing “feud” about who was the better shot. In truth, Scott was an incredible shot with open sights.

Family was everything to Scott. Scott was a dedicated father, and coached Megan’s soccer team even though he knew nothing about the sport. He was a down to earth coach who just enjoyed being with the kids. Scott was a dad who “showed up” for every event, dance recital, basketball tourney and any other thing that was important to his girls. The arrival of his four grandchildren brought a new tenderness to Scott and he absolutely adored spending time with them. He loved to crawl around on the floor with them and seldom missed an opportunity to take them for walks.

Scott ran his own security company, E&S Security, for 20 years. He loved talking to people and making the connections with them. Never one to miss an opportunity to chat it up with the community members, Scott enjoyed being a SRO-School Resource Officer for a short time. Those connections with the kids were his opportunity to make a difference in their lives. As a patrol officer, he was notorious for “malfunctions” with his squad car-one of which resulted in a broken leg. Known for his moderately crabby disposition, Scott was known as “Sunshine” by some.

Scott is survived by his wife Laurie, daughters: Megan (Ben) Blank, Hannah Steinke; grandchildren: Brayden, Kiara, Skylar, and Lucas; father Vern (special friend Janet) Steinke, brothers Jay (Kathy) Steinke and Tim (Carrie) Steinke; parents in-law: Richard and Barbara Struck; sisters and brother-in-law: Lisa Inderdahl, Linda Dalke, Brian (Liz) Struck. He is further survived by aunts Jean Elmer, Kathleen Jackson, Margaret (Jeff) Gellerman and Jeannette (Jim) Kertis as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Scott was preceded in death by his mother Margie Steinke; brother-in-law Roger Inderdahl; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A gathering and celebration of Scott’s life will take place on Saturday March 8, 2025, at 3:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Tri County Chapel, 1592 S Oneida St, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 12:00pm until the celebration service begins. Scott will be interred at St John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Kellner at a later date.

 In Scott’s honor, please wear something red to his celebration.