Steve Fleckenstein, 89, of Iola, passed away at home on April 24, 2021.
Born in Milwaukee on Oct. 21, 1931, he is the son of the late Stephan and Katherine Fleckenstein. Steve graduated from Custer High School in January of 1950 and he later attended La Crosse State College earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He continued his education at Northern Illinois University earning his Master’s Degree. He married Dorothyann (Dottie) Janecek, on June 13, 1959 and together they had two children, Todd and Holly. Steve was a teacher for 35 years. Twenty-four of those years were spent at the Iola-Scandinavia School District, where he taught Physical Education and served as the Head football coach from 1969-1993 and assistant girls’ basketball coach 1976-1982. Following his retirement he also spent three years coaching youth football for the Iola-Scandinavia Pee Wee Association. Steve was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998 and took great pride in making a difference in the lives of his students and athletes. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching football and fishing.
Steve is survived by his wife Dottie, his children Todd Fleckenstein and Holly (Tony) Neumann. He is further survived by grandchildren: Ashley (Jason) Ridge, Braden (Krystal) Paulson, Devin Paulson, Mady (Xavier) Juliano and Xander Fleckenstein; great-grandchildren: Jayden and Aubree Ridge, Mason Draeger, AJ Paulson, and Ronan Juliano. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Krueger, niece Stephanie Shivaya and nephew Bob Krueger. He is further survived by many friends, former students and athletes. He is preceded in death by his parents Stephan and Katherine Fleckenstein, his in-laws Albert and Angelin Janecek, sisters Catherine and Lily Fleckenstein, an infant brother and brother-in-law Robert Krueger.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Heartland Hospice of Stevens Point for keeping Steve comfortable at home.
The Funeral Service for Coach will be on Friday, April 30th at 6:30 p.m. at the Iola Scandinavia Aquatic Center Gymnasium. The Reverend Brian Iverson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday at the Gymnasium from 4:40 – 6:15 p.m. For those attending, please wear a mask. Online condolences can be made at voiefuneralhome.com