Stephen H. Frankel

Stephen H. Frankel,
Of Mequon, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at the age of 83. Loving husband of Mary Frankel (née Gauthier) of 44 years. Dear father of Dori Frankel (Jason) Steigman and Jill Frankel. Adoring grandfather of Ben Steigman and Natan Steigman; Zack Frankel and Michaela Frankel. Preceded in death by his mother, Lois (née Sternberg) and father, Rabbi Philip Frankel. Further survived by many loving relatives and friends.
Steve was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Lansing, Michigan. A proud Wolverine, he graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Professionally, he worked his entire career as an actuary at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee, from 1965 until his retirement as a VP and Actuary in 2004. Steve served on many boards and committees at Northwestern Mutual and in the insurance industry. He had been an active and impactful member of the Employee Trust Funds Board and the Group Insurance Board for the State of Wisconsin for over 20 years. In the community, he had served as a member of the Milwaukee Jewish Day School Board for many years. In retirement, he loved spending time with his wife, Mary, the rest of his family, and of course, his friends. He audited classes in history and political science at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee for many years.
Steve was an avid crossword puzzle maven, completing the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle IN PEN every week. He was also an avid reader, often tackling several books at the same time (each of which he would read to completion). He amassed an impressive collection of Michigan Wolverine clothing and other memorabilia (mostly thanks to his loving and supportive wife, a Wisconsin Badger). One of Steve's most prized possessions was his collection of good friends and relationships that he cultivated over his lifetime. Steve's Friday afternoon happy hour group (some of his best friends) set a modern-day record for longevity that is ongoing, meeting most Fridays for several decades. Anyone who knew Steve couldn't help but love him. He will be missed by all.
The funeral service is set for 10:30 AM Thursday, November 6, 2025, at The Chapel, 3601 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, and will be streamed online (see link and instructions below). Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 10700 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.
Following burial, the family will see friends from 5:30-8PM at the Steigman residence, 2301 E Newton Ave, Shorewood on Thursday and Saturday. Minyan will be at 6:30 PM on Thursday and Saturday.
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When: Nov 6, 2025 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Stephen Frankel Funeral Service
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