Stephen J. Reifenberg

Stephen J. Reifenberg, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Steve was born on March 27, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana to David and Jean (Quick) Reifenberg. He was the second oldest of six boys. He graduated from Bay View High School in 1964. He met the love of his life Jean, at age 14 at a square dance; they were a perfect pair. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Angela.
In 1965, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1965 - 68. Upon returning to Milwaukee, he married Jean Echard in 1969, and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1972. Steve worked as a structural engineer for Sonoco, Summit Buildings, and in 1995 started his own company, Foremost Buildings, in Jefferson, WI with two colleagues.
Steve and Jean enjoyed square dancing as teenagers and returned to it after raising their daughters. They were active members of Spring City Squares for many years. Steve was also an active member of St. William Catholic Church and was a long-time choir member. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and volunteering. Whether through work, church, social groups, or his community, Steve was always involved and helped in whatever capacity was needed.
His greatest happiness came from his family, especially his grandsons, Ryan and Ben Lauer whose sporting events he had fun attending. His warmth and support will be remembered by all who knew him.
Steve is proceeded in death by his loving wife Jean (September 2024), and now they are eternally reunited. He is survived by his loving daughters, Jen (Jerry) Lauer, and Angela Reifenberg, his grandsons, Ryan and Ben Lauer, his brothers Paul (the late Yoko), Fr. Phil, Bob (Sue), Bill (Sandy), Dan (Judy) Reifenberg, sister-in-law Jackie Bowden and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Per Steve's request, there will not be a formal funeral. But the family invites you to join us at a mass of remembrance on Wednesday, January 29th at 5:30 p.m. at St. William Catholic Church in Waukesha. An informal reception will follow the mass. Donations in Steve's honor can be made to Brighton Hospice, St. William, or to the Steve Reifenberg Memorial Fund established through Waukesha State Bank. Donations may be mailed or dropped off at any of their locations. The fund will be used to plant trees at Nagawaukee Golf Course, one of Steve's favorite past-times.