Stephen A. Balistreri

Stephen A. Balistreri Jr., 70, of Wild Rose, WI went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, September 27,2021 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Waupaca, WI, surrounded by loved ones.  He always said that when he got to heaven, he wanted a ranch with lots of horses and wagons so that he could take everyone on a hayride.

Steve was born November 26, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI to Stephen Sr and Loraine (Hepner) Balistreri.  He was the oldest of 5 children. As a teen he moved to Wild Rose to live with the Bradleys, who quickly became his 2nd family.  After serving in the Navy, he returned to Milwaukee to help in the family business. 

It was in Milwaukee that he first started driving truck which he did right up until he contracted Covid 19 and went into the hospital.  In the late 1980’s he drove for Transtar Trucking in Waupaca and then went to work for CKKC Enterprises/Dwynne Sutheimer Trucking in Custer, WI, with a stint driving at Ruby’s Pantry in Waupaca.  Steve loved driving as many of his friends and family are aware.  If you went for a ride with him a 20-minute ride could turn into a 4-hour adventure, checking out the countryside.

Steve loved his horses and giving wagon rides to all his friends and family.  He loved going to auctions where he would find new treasures. He loved all animals and throughout his life he took in any stray animal that came along or needed a good home. His horses and dogs were very important to him, and he is greatly missed by his Saint Bernard, Penny.  His horses went to new homes while he was in the hospital and are being well taken care of.

Not just a lover of animals, Steve loved God and was a lover of people and would do anything for his friends.  Many times, in a restaurant he would ask the waitress or people at nearby tables if they knew Jesus.  In the hospital he was constantly talking to the nurses and staff about his relationship with the Lord.

Steve is survived by two brothers, Victor and Michael (Patricia), a sister Nancy and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by so many people who he adopted as family; John and Brenda Roe, Rose Borowski, Marijean and Walter Wilsnack, Walter Carlson, Barb Weigel, Kim Conradt, and his church family at First Assembly of God in Waupaca.

Steve’s family and friends would like to thank Pastor Cliff Cameron and the dedicated, compassionate staff at ThedaCare Medical Center, Waupaca.  They worked tirelessly to heal and comfort him in the weeks that he was hospitalized. 

Services will be on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at First Assembly of God, 1420 Berlin St. Waupaca, WI.  Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. and the service is at 11 a.m. with Pastor Cliff Cameron and Pastor John Roe officiating.        

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