John "Steve" Stephen Anderson

John "Steve" Stephen Anderson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 12, 2025. In Steve's own words: "I do not fear death but welcome it as another experience which will be at least as beautiful as the wonderful life I enjoyed for scores of years".

Born in Chicago on March 23, 1940, Steve grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin with his four sisters and his best friend brother, Chris. Summers were often spent working on the family dairy farm in Cazenovia or with grandparents in Dodgeville. In 1957, Steve's summer AFS exchange program in Ratingen, Germany sparked a lifelong love of travel that encouraged him to visit internationally throughout his life.

Steve was a proud, yet humble Harvard graduate, earning both a B.A. and an M.B.A. He attributed much of his success to Barbara Baldauf, whom he hired to type his senior thesis and who later became his "first wife" and lifelong partner of 60 years.

After two years in the Army Reserve and Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, Steve and Barb moved their growing family to Milwaukee, where he became Treasurer of Schlitz. He adored the company (including seats for the 1982 World Series) and held that role until Schlitz was sold to Stroh's. Steve then shifted to investing, joining Baird, where he helped guide successful IPOs, such as Fastenal. Later, through employment at Wisconsin Energy, Steve co-founded Witech - one of Wisconsin's earliest venture funds. He went on to serve on the boards of numerous startups and family businesses, mentoring and championing entrepreneurs across the state.

Steve led with friendship and caring - dedicating himself to public service and community life. He was an active member, board chairman, and choir member at North Shore Congregational Church. He also served multiple terms as President of the Village of River Hills and St. John's on the Lake. Known for his trademark bow tie and unrelenting smile, he could analyze a situation rationally, compromise, and tackle challenges with optimism.

At home, Steve was a craftsman and nature enthusiast who poured his energy into family and homestead. He planted trees, tended bees, tapped maple trees, pressed apples, and worked in his famous woodshop. He cultivated a bustling home with pets, children and grandchildren, and their adventures: sports fields, warlock hunting, backyard golf, grilling, repairing equipment, and trapping and releasing marsupials.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, his four children - Jay (Stephanie), Kathy Dolan (Tom), John (Katie), and Chris (Joyce); ten grandchildren - Grace, Jack, Brewer, Claire, Patrick, Jones, Jack, Hank, James, and, Gus; his faithful dog, Samson; and his siblings, Susan (Bruce), Kathie (Rich), Sara, and Martha, eight nephews and nieces, and sister-in-law, Cheryl.

His memory is a blessing to all.

A funeral service will be held at North Shore Congregational Church, located at 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point, WI 53217, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 2:45 pm - bow ties encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: North Shore Congregational Church (7330 N Santa Monica Blvd, Fox Point, WI 53217), Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1111 E Brown Deer Rd, Bayside, WI 53217), or Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (212 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203).