Stephen Kleefisch

Stephen Kleefisch

January 20, 1951 - May 13, 2025

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Obituary

Stephen J. Kleefisch, 74, of Platteville, WI, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from complications of diabetes. Steve was born January 20, 1951 in Baraboo, WI, the son of Arthur J and Loretta (Weins) Kleefisch. He was a graduate of Baraboo Senior High (1969), Madison Area Technical College (1971), and UW-Platteville in Industrial Technology (1974). May 25, 1972, Steve and Sara McGregor were married in Baraboo, WI.  

Steve retired from working for the City of Platteville after 40 years in several roles from excavating the mine to Director of the Museum Department. He was a very hands-on director and enjoyed his work. In High School, Steve participated in sports, putting his heart into football, basketball, and track. He earned the rare honor of a "Gold B" after 3 years of successful competition.

He loved his sons very much and took the family traveling every August. He was active in their education and a Boy Scout leader as well. With his mechanical knowledge and skills, he enjoyed working on cars and building and repairing just about anything and everything.

Steve is survived by his sons, Samuel and Benjamin, and their mother, Sara (Bob)Harding; brothers Joe Kleefisch of Baraboo, WI, David (Norma)Kleefisch of Prescott Valley, AZ, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark Kleefisch.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Melby Funeral Home &Crematory in Platteville, WI. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

 

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NK
Nancy Kies
Other •
Sad news to loose Steve. Many fond memories of all he put into the Mining Museum. Platteville should be grateful for what he put in place many years ago. Prayers to o the boys🙏🙏
MB
michele bartels
Other •
my deepest sympathy, such a wonderful man, he was fabulous working with the mining museum!
NB
N. J. Broughton
Other •
Dear family of Steve Kleefisch... I am so very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I knew Steve from his time with the Mining Museum. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and Steve...
EF
Eric Fatzinger
Other •
Steve was the heart and soul of the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville for decades. It meant so much more to him than the few words mentioned in a brief obituary. He made the museum a great place to work and visit. His support of his staff knew no bounds and he was always there with kind words and encouragement, both on the job and off. The team he put together over the years of Mary and Stephanie and many part-timers made the museums the unsung jewel of Platteville and Southwest Wisconsin’s history, particularly the mining industry history of the area. He worked tirelessly to keep the museums relevant, community oriented and a great asset to the city of Platteville and all of Southwest Wisconsin. When the city essentially forced him to retire after 40 years in order to save the funding for the museum he accepted it with grace and courage in the knowledge that by stepping down enough funding would be saved to ensure the survival of the museum. It was a poor decision on the part of city government and a kick in the teeth to one of its most loyal and dedicated public servants. He deserved better. Rest in Peace Steve. It was an honor and a privilege to know you, work for and with you, and call you a friend.
TR
Tracey Roberts
Other •
I knew Steve through the Museum. He was instrumental in making the mine a safe and interesting attraction. He seemed to know everything about the Museum mechanicals and also the train. He put his heart into the Museum, for which he will always be appreciated. Peace to his family. 🌺
EF
Eric Fatzinger
Other •
Steve was the heart and soul of the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville for decades. It meant so much more to him than the few words mentioned in a brief obituary. He made the museum a great place to work and visit. His support of his staff knew no bounds and he was always there with kind words and encouragement, both on the job and off. The team he put together over the years of Mary and Stephanie and many part-timers made the museums the unsung jewel of Platteville and Southwest Wisconsin’s history, particularly the mining industry history of the area. He worked tirelessly to keep the museums relevant, community oriented and a great asset to the city of Platteville and all of Southwest Wisconsin. When the city essentially forced him to retire after 40 years in order to save the funding for the museum he accepted it with grace and courage in the knowledge that by stepping down enough funding would be saved to ensure the survival of the museum. It was a poor decision on the part of city government and a kick in the teeth to one of its most loyal and dedicated public servants. He deserved better. Rest in Peace Steve. It was an honor and a privilege to know you, work for and with you, and call you a friend.

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