Steven Thatcher

Steven B. Thatcher

Steven (Steve) Barry Thatcher ended his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011. He was born March 26, 1946 in Eau Claire, WI. Steve lived an adventurous 65 years, filled with many great times with friends and family. His wife and sweetheart, Kathryn Draeger Thatcher and Hannah, his special pal, will miss him more than mere words can say.

Steve was the fourth of five children born to John Chester Thatcher and Genevieve Alvina Schroeder Thatcher. He is survived by his siblings-Gary Thatcher, Sandra Richards and Suzanne (Jon) Schultz and sister-in-law, Judith Thatcher. His much loved nieces and nephews-Vickie (Larry) Tweed, Craig (Mary) Thatcher, Debra (Wayne) Lorenz, Denise (Scott) Brown, David (Michelle) Thatcher, Jeff (Hsiang) Richards, Cindy (Ron) Werner, John (Gayle) Richards, Ronald (Missy) Schultz and Eric (Roberta) Schultz, as well as many grand nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins. In addition to family, surviving Steve is an enormous group of friends who he enjoyed many great times with. Special thanks go out to those who loved and supported him and his family during his battle with cancer as well as his lifetime.

Steve was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Ronald, brother in laws-Ron Johnson and Donald Richards, his parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends.

Steve served a short stint in the Army, closing that chapter of his life in 1968 with an Honorable Discharge. He was a member of the Wilson Chapter of the American Legion. He worked for a time in pipeline, Northern States Power Company and in the construction of the Spring Valley earthen dam. The railroad kept Steve the longest, 36 years, working as a bridge tender swinging the bridge to let river traffic through and closing again for trains to continue their work. Steve loved stories and had many about the interesting folks he met along the train tracks.

Steve had Knapp as his address for most of his life but he did not miss opportunities to travel. Since his retirement in 2006, Steve, Kathy and Hannah have traveled many miles in their motor home throughout the US and Canada staying in Florida many winters yet always returning to the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Growing things was in Steve's blood. Flowers, vegetables, trees all were things he enjoyed giving his loving touch to. He was always satisfied to work up the ground, plant and harvest. Nature was in his soul and the outdoors was his heaven. The birds, the bees, butterflies and all living things were special to Steve. Cold spring water from the valley was his favorite beverage. He was a great sportsman who brought home trophy fish and deer yet always respected the lives of living things. Steve loved his family greatly. The yearly family reunion was a special time for Steve as great food, family stories and cards were always things he could count on. Fall was his favorite time of year with the air being so fresh and smelling so fragrantly of leaves. He knew deer hunting at the Boars Den and snowmobiling were soon to arrive. Many words can be used to describe Steve but among those that describe him the best are gentle, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, helpful and loving. Steve's bright blue eyes winking at you inviting you to share with him the spice of humor in life should be a part of everyone's memories.