Obituaries

Madison-

Stephen W. “Steve” Kline, age 77, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 25, 2023 after a 2 ½ year battle with brain cancer. He fought his cancer battle with grace. In the face of insurmountable difficulties, he never complained and always had a smile on his face. Steve was a kind and gentle man. He was respected by anyone who knew him. Steve was a loving devoted husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his kids and grandchildren and watching the Packers. Steve was born on September 7, 1945 in Waukesha, WI the son of Stephen M. and Georgette (Coney) Kline. He attended Summit Elementary School in Oconomowoc, WI and graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1963. He entered the U.S. Navy 6 days before his 18th birthday and served until his 21st birthday in 1966. His love for music led him to serve in the drum and bugle corps and he was recommended for a promotion and was granted the honor of drum section leader. The drum and bugle corps was responsible for daily flag raising and lowering. His other duty was working in Engineering Main Control.

After his service in the Navy, he attended Milton College on the G.I. Bill. Following college Steve played in several rock ‘n roll bands in the southern Wisconsin area; most notably the band, Reflection. It was while he was in the band Reflection that he met the love of his life, Bonnie J. Miller. Steve and Bonnie wed on December 16, 1972, in Milwaukee, WI. They raised their family in Watertown, WI and Steve began his career in Electrical Engineering. Steve worked at Watertown Metal Products from 1974 to 1990. In 1992 he moved the family to Oregon, WI to take a job with Coating Place in Verona, WI where he worked until his retirement in 2012.

Steve co-founded the Watertown Volleyball Association and was instrumental in bringing volleyball courts to Riverside Park in Watertown, WI. He also took the lead in organizing several volleyball tournaments from 1988 through 1992.

In 2021, the family took Steve on his dream vacation to Hawai’i. One of the happiest moments was the drive up the volcano and his smile was infectious when he realized they were above the clouds. Steve will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Tina Kline, Paul (Erin) Kline and Brian (Phrannie Lyons) Kline; four grandchildren, Melody Madsen, Ry Feiner, Norah Madsen and Elias Lyons-Kline; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters: Virginia “Ginnie” Bobrofsky, Roberta “Bobbie” Marquardt, Martha “Marti” Lia and Sandra “Sandi” Kline.

Per Steve’s request, a private family memorial service will be held.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their kind support. Also, thanks to the friends and relatives that came to visit Steve, deliver food and shovel snow.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.