Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Stanley “Stan” A. Steenbock, age 74 of the Township of Wescott, Shawano County, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the WI Veterans Home, King, WI; leaving behind a legacy of honor and service.
Stan’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his country, his family, and his passions.
Stanley “Stan” Allen Steenbock was born August 3, 1950 in Clintonville, WI, son to the late Ray & Gertrude “Gertie” (Beyer) Steenbock. He spent his formative years growing up on the family dairy farm just north of Clintonville. He attended St. Martin Lutheran Church & School where he also was baptized and confirmed. Stan was a highly regarded athlete at Clintonville High School, where he competed in wrestling and football; later graduating in 1968. After graduation, Stan enlisted in the U.S. Army, attended basic training, then studied at aviation school where he became a helicopter pilot. Stan served his country in the jungles of Vietnam as an accomplished and respected helicopter pilot. He flew countless missions in hostile areas with enemy activity to deliver and retrieve infantry soldiers. In all, he completed two tours in Vietnam; earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying into enemy territory to rescue a group of soldiers where it wasn’t advisable to land his chopper. Stan landed the bird in a thick grove of bamboo, cutting the stalks of bamboo with his rotor blades as he touched down. After his honorable discharge from the military with distinction, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned his Bachelors in Aeronautical Science and his fixed wing aircraft certification. He then flew freight by air with Brennan Air Freight here locally. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 664 of Clintonville. Later, Stan was employed with Petroleum Helicopter Inc. where he flew men and supplies to and from the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. With PHI, he also traveled around the world to places like South Africa, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Russia exploring new oil drilling sites. He retired after 35 years with the company. Stan moved to the Shawano area and started up a new business, S & S Marine, repairing marine engines and selling boats. He enjoyed taking seniors and veterans out on his pontoon boat for tours around Shawano Lake every Thursday in the summer. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed taking trips out west to Wyoming and Colorado for hunting trips with family and friends. He also came back up to Wisconsin when he was living down south in Mississippi, for the annual whitetail hunt. The camaraderie at buck camp was something he always looked forward to; playing some great hands of cards (Poker & Sheepshead) with family and friends. His greatest memories were cherished while spending time with family and his best friends (Cousin) Gary Steenbock, Dennis Schwenke and Joe Franco; a fellow Vietnam Veteran who flew with him as his Crew Chief. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and snowmobiling whenever he could. Stan really enjoyed our beautiful country, while coming to Wisconsin, or just on the open road traveling across our great land in his motorhome. Stan always enjoyed spending time with his cousins and all his nieces and nephews while attending all the Steenbock’s family reunions and Christmas parties. Because of his health he later moved to the Veterans Home at King where he spent the last two and a half years. While at King, he was able to go on hunting and fishing excursions, was able to have the opportunity to fly a bi-plane for fun in Waupaca, and visited the Packer Hall of Fame. He was well liked at the veterans home and participated in many other activities, leading him to be presented with the Quilt of Valor, given by the facility. One of his greatest moments was taking the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.; he was grateful for the opportunity. Stan will be remembered as a patriot, an American hero, and as a respected member of his community, wherever he lived.
Stan is survived by his siblings: Sharon Kerstner, Bowler; Gerald “Butch” (Jane) Steenbock, Green Bay; Randy (Diane) Steenbock, Clintonville; Lorie (Jim) Herrman, Shawano
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Diane; and his brother-in-law, Milon Kestner.
Funeral services will be held at 12 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville with the Rev. Jason Zobel officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville.
Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 10 AM until the time of service.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the Steenbock family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be directed to the family for a donation to various veteran charities.
The Steenbock family would like to thank the staff of the Veterans Home at King for the wonderful care provided to Stan during his time there.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
