Steven Joseph Meyer

Steven Joseph Meyer, age 59, passed away peacefully as a result of cardiac arrest in Madison, Wisconsin on August 23, 2025. Steve was guided by his enormous heart, a fierce loyalty, and he lived a life that was truly larger than life—a phrase that, in his case, wasn’t just fitting, it was defining. As one friend put it, “He was truly one of a kind and lived life on his own terms.”

Steve’s early years were shaped by his time at Saint Maria Goretti Grade School and later at Madison Edgewood High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and formed lifelong friendships with so many great people—you know who you are. Many of you stood by Steve during his courageous health battles, helping to ensure he enjoyed a high quality of life in his final years. Your presence, support, and love meant the world to him and to his family.

One month prior to graduating high school, Steve and his close partner-in-crime Mike Geske each secretly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps—without informing the other. They kept this secret from their parents until shortly after graduation. Steve proudly served in the USMC, a chapter of his life he considered one of his defining accomplishments. He left for bootcamp on June 7, 1984, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, where he graduated with a medal as an Expert Marksman. His exceptional skill earned him a place on the Marine Corps Special Shooting Team, competing against other military branches in long-range marksmanship—up to 1,000 yards without a scope. Steve was, quite literally, one of the best marksmen in the world.

Following bootcamp, Steve trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, specializing as a .50-caliber machine gunner. He then served on Embassy Duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a year—a place many know from the film A Few Good Men. Steve later returned to Camp Lejeune with a rifle company and underwent jungle training in Guam, cold-weather training in Norway, and a deployment to Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1988, carrying with him the pride, discipline, and brotherhood that defined his service. Oorah!

After his military service, Steve founded Meyer Painting and Drywall, where he served as owner and operator for many years. He remained extremely proud of the customer care, attention to detail, and generous pricing he offered his clients—whom he viewed more as friends than customers. Steve was known for always offering the “friend discount,” and for treating every job as a reflection of his integrity and craftsmanship.

Steve is survived by his loving parents, George Joseph Meyer and Karleen Rose Meyer; his siblings Greg (Amy) Meyer, Jeff (Karen) Meyer, Kari Meyer Noot (Doug); Nieces and nephews Maggie (Fiancé Matt Pfeiffer) and Sam Meyer, Ben and Ellie Meyer, Karoline and Alexandria Noot, his cherished adopted children Jestin Jermaine Morris-Jackson, Joelvon Hatchett, Courtney Hatchett, and Giavonnia Ridley; and his beloved nephew Joseph Durruthy. He was a devoted son, father figure, brother, friend and Marine, whose love and generosity knew no bounds.

Steve had a gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a stranger passing through, a chance encounter with Steve often meant walking away with a new best friend and a renewed sense of self-worth. His heart led the way in everything he did.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—especially the Wednesday night poker games at Otto’s place, where laughter, storytelling, and good-natured ribbing were always in full supply. One of his most cherished traditions was his legendary stint as Santa at the Oakcrest Tavern. Each year, he delighted in hand-selecting and personally wrapping gifts for the “most deserving” recipients, delivering them with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh. It was classic Steve—blending humor, warmth, and a knack for bringing people together, all while inspiring others to embrace new adventures and directions.

Steve also had a competitive streak and a flair for the dramatic. One of his proudest childhood moments was hitting a walk-off grand slam to win the West Madison Little League Senior League Championship—a team he played on with his brother Jeff and was coached by their father. It was a Meyer family moment for the ages.

And who could forget Steve’s epic Christmas parties at Madison’s and the High Noon Saloon, or the legendary gatherings at “the Mansion on the Hill”? These weren’t just parties—they were events, filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable energy that only Steve could bring.

Steve had a knack for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones by laughing uncontrollably, which inspired everyone around him to do the same. His laughter was infectious—once he got going, you couldn’t help but join in. Whether it was a spontaneous joke or a story told with just the right twist, Steve had a way of making life feel lighter and brighter.

Several family stories stand out: As a youth, Steve especially treasured the family vacations to the Great Northwoods of Wisconsin—the epic laughter after attempting to drain the submerged motorboat (who forgot to put the plug in?) and the visual perspective that Steve was getting more relief than the motorboat! And of course, no tribute to Steve would be complete without remembering The Shack on Lake Du Bay. Although it happened 20 years ago, the entire family has not stopped laughing at the image of Steve donning his newly-purchased belt-mounted fishing rod—an innocent, well-intentioned spontaneous act or entirely inappropriate gaffe? We will never know, but either way, he was truly ready for some action! Other family highlights include Steve catching some skinny dippers on Plum Lake in Sayner, getting outfished by his brother who wouldn’t share the lure with him in Door County, and lighting up half of Lake Michigan with his fireworks in Algoma.

Many who knew Steve have shared how deeply he impacted their lives—often in quiet, unexpected ways, and other times in loud, boisterous ones. He had a remarkable ability to lift others up without fanfare, offering encouragement, perspective, or simply a moment of genuine connection. His influence was often life-changing, delivered through grand tough-love gestures as well as through small, sincere acts that left lasting impressions—all of which were imparted upon him by his parents. Steve didn’t seek recognition; he simply showed up with his whole heart, and in doing so, made the world around him better.

Steve was especially proud of his involvement in the local arts scene later in life, contributing as a supporter, executive director, and actor. His roles included appearing in Anisa Saves Christmas, a heartfelt 2023 film dedicated to the memory of an 11-year-old girl from Madison, who tragically lost her life to gun violence. The film celebrates themes of hope, family, and resilience—values Steve deeply cherished. He also appeared in the 2020 film In the Dark of the Night, which explored themes of redemption and community—subjects close to Steve’s heart.

In 2024, on the Marine Corps Birthday, Steve completed a 10K run from the Capitol in Madison—in his wheelchair. He was accompanied by his brother and many supportive friends.

In March, Steve was honored to serve as a keynote speaker at A Gift of Life: A Green Carpet Affair, a premier kidney disease awareness fundraiser hosted by local radio personality Big Mike. His participation helped spotlight the importance of education, advocacy, and support for those affected by kidney disease from which he himself had suffered for the last 12 years of his life as a result of diabetes.

In his final month, Steve told many friends and family that he was totally at peace and that he had lived the fullest of lives—especially because of the friends and family he felt so blessed and fortunate to have in his life. He shared that he was looking forward to his next adventure, free from pain and able to move as he pleases. As a dear friend expressed so eloquently, “I’m genuinely happy for him, and I know he wouldn’t want any of us to sit in sadness. He lived a full life, one that many only dream of, and his legacy speaks for itself.”

Even in his final days, Steve remained true to his word and values. In the days leading up to his trip to Costa Rica, he made sure to honor every commitment he made, ensuring that his entire Turnover 2025 Painting Team were taken care of. His dedication was unwavering—a reflection of the integrity and care he brought to both his life and his work.

Steve’s final act of generosity and brotherhood came in the last week of his life. Despite his failing health, he bravely booked a vacation house in Costa Rica and flew several close friends down for one last hurrah. True to form, Steve made sure everyone had a great time. Though his health forced him to leave a day early, the memories made there will last a lifetime.

A special note of gratitude goes to Joe Durruthy, whose unwavering dedication and compassion fulfilled Steve’s final wish. Joe ensured Steve’s safe passage from Costa Rica, through the Atlanta VA and Madison VA, and ultimately to his beloved home, where he passed peacefully. His selfless act of loyalty and love will forever be remembered and deeply appreciated by Steve’s family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at the VA Hospital, whose compassion and skill perform quiet miracles despite dwindling resources, and to the team at Traditions for their care and patience during Steve’s final years.

To Steve, it didn’t matter what walk of life you came from or what had happened in your life up to that point—you were appreciated and supported. He believed in second chances, in lifting others up, and in living life with open arms and an open heart.

A private family service with full military honors will be held. We look forward to gathering with all who loved Steve for a celebration of his life in October 2025, details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Dane County at www.unitedwaydanecounty.org or mailed to PO Box 7548, Madison, WI 53707-7548

Above all, Steve lived by his own motto—“Get Busy Living”—a reminder to embrace every moment with courage, laughter, and an open heart.

Semper Fi

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