Steven J. Winarski

Steven Winarski, known as many names to friends and family, such as, “Stevo” “Mankato Kid” “Winno” “Crack Man” “The Wop”, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at ThedaCare Appleton.

Steve was born on September 25, 1956 in Neenah, son of the late Janet Suttner.  He attended Appleton elementary and middle schools, but he graduated from Hilbert High School, class of 1975.  On September 20, 1986, Steve married his love, Pamela “Pam” Vandermoss at St. Pius Church in Appleton.  He worked his entire 46 year career at Wisconsin Tissue Mill in Menasha, retiring April 1, 2021.  Steve was an excellent bowler in many leagues throughout the Fox Valley; always chasing that perfect game and an 800 series, coming close several times.   He also enjoyed walleye fishing, hunting for that elusive “big buck” up north, sports, Packer games, and Lake Park Fitness walking laps in the pool with new found friends.  When Steve was younger, his Mom would take the family to watch trains.  Here is when he became a Ferroequinologist or “train buff,” a love that he had throughout his entire life.  He and Pam also enjoyed camping at Star Campground for over 20 years.  Their friends at the campground were more than friends…they were family.  Above all, Steve enjoyed being a Dad and Grandpa, often times going to events and loudly cheering for his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Pam; their children: Sara, Michelle (Jason) Kleppen, Leah (fiance’ Kevin), and Conor (girlfriend, Jacole); grandchildren: Cody and Riley, Parker and Kennedy, and Kayden and Braelyn; siblings and in-laws: John, Mike (Heather), Richard (Charlotte), Karen Buege; mother-in-law: Gloria Vandermoss; in-laws: Jody (Dan) Kortbein, Jay (Connie) Vandermoss, Aunts: Carole Suttner and Marge Winarski; Uncle: Lee Suttner; godson: Matt Winarski; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mom, Janet; his grandparents: Leonard & Lillian Suttner; father-in-law: Robert “Tiny” Vandermoss; brothers-in-law: Robin Vandermoss and Mike Buege; Uncle: John Suttner; Aunt: Ginny Suttner; godparents: Jim & Gert Vandenboom; and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Steve in September.  Details will be announced on the www.pielhop.com website.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the amazing staff members at the ThedaCare Appleton ICU for everything they did for Steve and for them.

Steve always said, “I ain’t here for a long time, I’m here for a good time.”  “See ya down the line.”