Dr. Steven E. Landfried

Edgerton - Dr. Steven E. Landfried, age 80, of Edgerton, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025. He was born on November 1, 1944, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. His parents were Erling and Lorraine (Spille) Landfried.

In the fall of 1962, Steve returned to Appleton, WI to attend Lawrence University in Appleton. There he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, graduated with a B.A. degree as a history major, a multidisciplinary minor, and a Wisconsin broad field teacher certification. Following graduation, he taught social studies for one year at Lomira High School before moving to the Madison area to Middleton High School from 1967-1970,

The next year that effort expanded into the Metropolitan Madison Model United Nations. In 1970, Steve organized and directed the first Wisconsin High School Nations.

In the mid-1970's, Steve's photography and activities expanded to the entertainment business. During a three-year stint, he served as agent and manager for Colorado's Monroe Doctrine Bluegrass Band, and singer/song writer John Hiatt.

Landfried's photographic opportunities took a wider turn in 1979, when he became the first public affairs officer of International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Two years later, he began a twenty-five-year association with the International Affairs Office of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. That consultancy focused on last-ditch efforts to save the critically endangered Siberian cranes from extinction along the Central Asian Indian flyway. His advocacy for crane conservation and satellite tracking of wildlife led to unique photographic adventures around the world. His work was highlighted in the award-winning 1985 film "Crane Hunters of Pakistan" and the New Explorers Series production narrated by Bill Kurtis in the 1995 documentary "Journey to Save a Crane." Those efforts stretched from 1982 to 2005.

After completing his Masters degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, He returned to the classroom as Social Studied chairman for the Stoughton School District in south-central Wisconsin. In the mid-1980's through 1991, Steve developed a radio talk program that paralleled his efforts as Department Chairman of a seven-person Social Studies Department at Stoughton High School in leading a "Social Issues of Teenage Life," Leaving Stoughton, After a one-year stint at Ripon College, Wisconsin as a professor. Steve returned to Stoughton to work in the high school's At-Risk Department. Landfried left in 2008, to serve for ten years as the first Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the School District of Jefferson.

Since retirement, Landfried's energies and cameras have focused primarily on portrait, nature, and sports photography. Steve participated in the Milwaukee Brewers fantasy camp in Maryvale, AZ; for several years.

He was a long-time member of the Education and Communication Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UCN), and Young Auditorium Advisory Board at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for nearly ten years. He also served on the Education Committee of the Madison Symphony Orchestra for ten years.

Steve first got to know Robyn Schmeling as she cut down his treasured mulberry tree and they became great neighbors with lots of laughter and memories. From that day forward Steve became family for the next 30 years to Robyn and Jamie Schmeling along with their children. He attended many holidays, big family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Steve was family and very well loved.

Steve has a very special friend who he loved, Suzanne Moore, and together they had many wonderful traveling adventures for more than 20 years. Steve will be missed.

Steve is survived by his siblings: Linda (Jerry) Buss of Menomonee, WI, Dinah Ballman of Phoenix, Tracey Bartlett of Denver, and Todd Landfried of California, his special uncle, Hank Spille of Washington, DC; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Steven's Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the APFEL EHLERT FUNERAL HOME, 315 Lord St. (Hwy 51) Edgerton. For online condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com

Special thank you to Cheri Schremp RN, Miranda Christen, RN from Bristol Hospice.