Stephen L. Mauritz

1939 - 2023

Stephen L. Mauritz passed away on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Stephen was born to John E. Mauritz and Magdalen (Neumueller) Mauritz on Aug. 25, 1939. He graduated from Oshkosh High School. In his youth Steve began his love of sailing. In 1958, Steve started his Apprenticeship at Lincoln Foster Sailmakers. Sails that were made there traveled around the world. Some sails were used in the international competition for the World Cup and twice they were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Steve also worked at his good friend Pat Haverty's Machine Shop where they made an ice boat together.

Steve served in the US Army on active duty from 1962 through 1964. He then returned for the Army Reserves in the summers of 1965-1967. Steve loved to talk about his Army experiences and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 4.

After the Army, Steve returned to sailing and working at Lincoln Foster Sailmakers. In 1972, Steve purchased the business from Lincoln Foster and renamed it Yacht Sailmakers. Besides sails, they made flags, pennants, banners, tents, sail bags, duffle bags and even some Angel Wings for schools, businesses, Oshkosh Chamber, churches, clubs, family, and friends. They also repaired sails, boat parts, and riggings.

Steve was very involved statewide in sailing. He sailed on Wisconsin lakes, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean. He ice-boated on several Wisconsin lakes and upper Michigan. He crewed and captained boats and was also a judge in many races. Steve also encouraged youth to sail. He was a member of the Oshkosh Yacht Club and the Inland Lakes Yachting Association where he was the Secretary for many years. Steve retired in 2005.

Steve is survived by his brother, Robert Mauritz, and his sisters Rita (John) Draves, and Mary (Stephen) Sturm and his brother-in law Tom Jenkins along with many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Steve is also survived by his plant manager and good sailing friend Jean Paul Jonet.

Steve was proceeded in death by his parents John E. Mauritz and Magdalen (Neumueller) Mauritz, his brothers John G. (Marlyn) Mauritz, David Mauritz, Fred Mauritz, and sister Dorothy Jenkins.

He was also preceded in death by his good friends Lincoln Foster, Pat Haverty and Paul Ansfield.

A funeral mass will be held on Sat. June 8, 2024, at The Most Blessed Sacrament (St Mary's site) at 605 Merritt Ave Oshkosh at 11:00 am. A visitation with members of the family and friends will be from 9:30 until the Mass. The burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in the military section in Oshkosh.


Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home
402 Waugoo Ave.
Oshkosh WI 54901
(920) 231-1510