Obituary for Steven P. Hemker

Steve graduated from West Salem High School in 1970 and worked a 42-year career at First Supply in La Crosse, WI before retiring in 2013. Steve met his wife, Gail Christensen, in 1974 while dancing at the Loading Zone in West Salem. Steve and Gail were married in West Salem, WI on September 18, 1976. They have two daughters, Angela (Scott Brenengen) Hemker and Andrea (Cory) Stocker. Steve was most of all proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a devoted horse show dad, hauling his girls around to various local and state horse shows.

Steve was an avid Wisconsin sports fan but most of all loved his Green Bay Packers. He could also be found sitting outside on a warm summer afternoon listening to the Brewers baseball game. Steve enjoyed many canoeing trips with family and friends down the Black River and numerous camping adventures throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Steve was a "simple" man. He did not need anything elaborate, loved a good oldies show (Andy Griffith and Leave it to Beaver), a good polka dance, and Sunday drives in the country. He was a man of few words but the king of one liners and he could make anyone laugh. Steve was a great historian, especially when it came to World War II history.

Throughout his retirement, he and Gail enjoyed traveling to tropical destinations like Mexico, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. He enjoyed attending his grandson Brock's baseball, football, and basketball games. He was one of Brock's biggest cheerleaders.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce; father, Leonard; brother, Jeffery; and mother-in-law, Cathy Revie. He is survived by his wife Gail; daughters, Angela (Scott) and Andrea (Cory); grandchildren, Brock Brenengen, McKenna Stocker, and Reagan Stocker; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 11:00 a.m., until 2:00 p.m., on March 30, 2025, at Fox Hollow Banquet Hall in Barre Mills. A brief prayer service and time of sharing lead by Brad Revie will happen at 12 noon.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered on this site.