Stephen Patzke
In Loving Memory of Stephen Patzke
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Stephen G. Patzke, who left us on July 9, 2025, at the age of 73 after a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Steve was a devoted husband, a beloved father, a cherished friend, and a man of unwavering kindness, generosity and integrity. He leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Lori (Armbrust) Patzke, and Nathaniel “Nat”, Julia and granddaughter Brooklyn, who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.
Born on January 30, 1952, in Green Bay, WI, Steve lived a life full of meaning. He was known for his quiet strength, dry sense of humor, his ready smile, and his willingness to help anyone in need. Steve worked at Thompsen Boat, then Menominee Paper until 2013 when he was diagnosed with PD.
He found joy in so much! His family, the Green Bay Packers, annual trips motorcycling with Lori throughout the U.S. especially the Fall Tomahawk Motorcycle Run with family, friends and “The Boys from Illinois”. He also enjoyed fishing and teaching anyone interested to learn the finer details of the Menominee River, flower gardening, great Sci-Fi movies and old westerns. He enjoyed get-togethers with all extended family, which seemed to include celebrations with fireworks he loved to provide. He was also known to occasionally enjoy a trip to the casino. Steve was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, including his Scottish Terriers, Hadraig & Findlay.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy of love, laughter and integrity will live on through everyone he knew, and that Steve is no longer having to deal with the limitations of PD.
Steve is further survived by his siblings: William (Jane) Patzke, Thomas (Doreen) Patzke, Joseph (Cathy) Patzke and Theresa (Chris) Guiver; in laws: Michael Armbrust, Rae Lynn (Joseph Sullivan) Kolbas, Patrick (Lisa) Armbrust, Teresa Muirheid, Lisa (Dennis) Rye, Colleen Armbrust, Robert Armbrust, Mark (Mary) Armbrust and Richard (Penny) Armbrust; many nieces and nephews who also loved their Uncle Steve’s soft voice, telling stories.
Steve was preceded by the passing of his young son: Zachary; parents: Terrence & Rosemary Patzke; sisters: Margaret Lovell, Mary Ann Patzke and Carrie Patzke; in-laws: Richard & Constance Armbrust; and Stan Muirheid.
Visitation will be held on Friday July 18, 2025 at Cadieu Funeral Home in Menominee, MI beginning at 4:00 pm until time of shared memories at 6:00 pm. All who knew and loved Steve are welcomed to attend and celebrate his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to anything related to kids fishing and Pop Warner Football in his honor. Any expressions of kindness may be directed to Lori.
The family would like to thank the previous and current devoted caregivers at the Cottages, especially Holly Giese along with Compassus Hospice nurses, especially Andrea Polarek.
He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.