Steven James Wernlund

Steven James Wernlund AKA "Shooter" (82) of Baldwin passed away on Feb 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Shooter was born July 26, 1941 in Baldwin to James and Lilas Wernlund. He liked Baldwin so much he would spend his entire life here ") He spent most of his adult life working side by side with his father at Wernlund Welding where they both formed lifelong friendships with many of their customers. He considered his father not only a co-worked but a mentor and friend. They were both very imaginative and could figure out pretty much how to fix anything. Shooter was known to fix/fabricate many projects on what could be called "napkin blueprints" which I heard he still has a few of in the back drawer of the shop.
He loved to hunt, mostly deer and has formed many friendships from this hobby. He is partners in two different hunting groups one in Grantsburg, WI where he began hunting with his Dad and brother. The second is in Cumberland, WI which gives him options and allows him to travel between the two camps during the 9 day annual WI deer hunting season. He looked forward to this season the entire year.
He also loved to fish. For the past 20+ years he has been salmon fishing out of Kewaunee, WI on Lake Michigan. He started fishing with Cory at Fishin' Again Charters and has been a loyal customer the entire time. These trips started with friends and have expanded to 2 trips per year which now include his son, daughters and their significant others. After spending that much time there he has made friends with the locals and I think they looked forward to seeing him as much as he looked forward to going there.
Another thing he really enjoyed from a young age was dancing, especially polka dancing. He and his girlfriend Liz have spent many an afternoon/weekend dancing the day/night away. The love of dancing has brought them to many different venues and states. Since they enjoyed getting out of WI for the winter they have danced their way across many states including AZ, TX and NV. And of course he has made many friends while enjoying this hobby including many band members.
Can't forget his love of sports he loved the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and of course Baldwin-Woodville football ") Many fun gamedays spent watching or listening to these games, fun pot lucks and time spent with good friends. He played softball for many years and "back in the day" even raced Stock Car at Cedar Lake Speedway, just more hobbies that lead to many friendships and good times ") He did like to have fun !!
Shooter was just an all-around "good guy" whose philosophy was to just "be nice" and maybe others would follow. This proved to be a successful strategy for him and being a man of few words, if he gave you the "thumbs up" you knew you were OK in his book ").
He is survived by his children who will miss him dearly including Kelly (Bruce Haus) Wyss, Heidi (Ron) Skow, Laura (ERick) Wernlund, Gary Wernlund grandchildren Taylor, Ashley, Jonathan, Nathan, Bodhi, Sumer great-grandaughter Georgia, special girlfriend Liz Poeschel, brother Brent (Patrice), sister Nancy Current, nephews, numerous friends, and hunting buddies.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Jim and Lilas, brother-in-law Cliff and nephew Brant.
Memorial gathering 3-7 PM Tuesday February 20 at O'Connell Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St, Baldwin, WI.
O'connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI (715)684-3434, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com