Steven Anthony Schmalz, age 70, of Menasha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.

Steven was born on January 19, 1956, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Peter V. Schmalz and Genevieve (Van Gompel) Schmalz, who preceded him in death. He graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in Neenah, Wisconsin, and spent much of his life working as a truck driver.

On May 30, 1976, he married the love of his life, Sheryl A. (Johnston) Schmalz. They were married 50 years and built a life together on faith, love and commitment. They enjoyed spending time together, including an occasional game of Scrabble, even though Steve rarely won. And he never missed a Valentine’s Day.

Steve loved Jesus deeply and lived out his faith quietly. Prayer was central to who he was as a husband, father, and grandfather. One of the memories his children treasure is how he prayed with each of them at night.

Steve had a huge heart and was always ready to help anyone in need without hesitation. He loved being a dad and grandpa more than anything and was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren—their interests became his interests, and their joys became his joys.

Steve had a playful and goofy spirit and loved making people laugh. Even as a child, he was known for his mischievous sense of humor and playful stubbornness. His sisters fondly remembered him hiding vegetables in his cheeks at the dinner table like a chipmunk because he refused to eat them, teaching them how to climb the basement playroom wall to sneak a peek at hidden Christmas presents, and convincing them one Christmas that a wrapped television antenna was “martians” just as the furnace kicked on—sending them running in fear.

Throughout his life, Steve never lost that fun-loving spirit. He was known for joking around, impersonating Inspector Clouseau from The Pink Panther, quoting movies, making dramatic villain laughs, and filling a room with laughter through his many catchphrases and playful expressions. His family can still hear him saying things like “And so!” or “Oookay fine,” and teasing everyone with “isn’t that right (name)?”.

Steve loved cars, music, westerns, Hallmark movies, Airwolf, Star Trek, Zorro, and sharing his favorite songs at full volume while driving. He brought energy, warmth, and fun wherever he went.

Even with his playful side, Steve had a very tender heart and was often moved to tears by heartfelt moments (even commercials).

Steve also loved life’s simple comforts: a good steak (never with A1 sauce), pizza nights, chocolate treats of every kind, root beer floats, and time spent together with family.

Above all, Steve will be remembered as a man of faith, love, compassion, humor, and joy. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved and trusted throughout his life.

Steve was a proud and devoted father to Joshua A. Schmalz (Jen), Jennifer L. Busch (Ben), Kimberly S. Murray (Brian), Amber J. Casper (Shaun), Ariel F. Catlin (Justin), Lydia R. Villeneuve (Beau), and Johnathan I. Schmalz (Jolene). He was also a loving and cherished grandfather to Ethan (Madysen), Ty, Sam, Cambria, Abigail, Grace, Kayla, Autumn, Marc Jr., Christian, Abel, Sawyer, Landon, Odin, Alaric, Rhyker, Declan, Esmae, and Adeline.

He is further survived by his siblings: Mona Dahlke (John), Cindy Phillips (Barry), and Becky Fernandez (Dan); his brothers-in-law Al (Karen), Dan (Patsy), Brian, and Pat; sisters-in-law Carla (Gary), Kim, and Anita; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Leon Schmalz and sister-in-law Vicki; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence “Larry” Johnston and Marian (Goedel) Johnston; and his brother-in-law Stephen (Terry).

Visitation for Steve will be held Friday, May 15, at O’Connell Funeral Home (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Pastor Dave Vande Hey will officiate. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9

Steve will be deeply missed and forever loved until we meet again in Christ.