Steven "Steve" M. Schultz

Steven (Steve) Michael Schultz, age 72 passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born on September 4, 1953 in Madison, Wisconsin to the late John (Jack) and Patricia (Niendorf) Schultz. After losing his mother when he was just seven months old, Steve was lovingly raised by his father and Ila Schultz, who became a steady and nurturing mother in his life. Steve was raised in Black Earth, Wisconsin and graduated from Wisconsin Heights High School, Class of 1971. He spent many childhood years on the Niendorf family farm, a God-given connection to his birth mother’s roots, and later cherished that time with his uncle and best friend, Duaine. He married Carolyn Strandlie-Topp on September 30, 1995 and they just celebrated 30 years of marriage together.

In his younger years, Steve was an avid bowler. His love and passion for the sport took him to the state of Texas where he managed several large bowling centers for Don Carter All-Star Lanes. After several years in Texas, he decided it was time to move back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. After his return back home, he decided to change career paths and started a new career in the HVAC industry with Modern Heating and Cooling in Black Earth. He continued in this industry for over 25 years, finishing his career with TSI in Madison until his retirement in 2018.

Steve was a man of the outdoors. Whether it was spending time at his camper in Bloomer, fishing on Lake Kegonsa, four-wheeling, or sitting on his patio enjoying the peace he found watching birds at the feeders he kept throughout his yard. His lawn was always freshly mowed, sunflowers brightening it each summer, and he cared for his vehicles with that same attention to detail. He could spend an entire 8 hours on a Saturday washing and detailing one vehicle. Steve was also a huge Packer fan. He was a member of the local Packer Backer club, and had his basement decorated in Packer colors and memorabilia. But most of all, he was so proud of his family, especially his grandkids.

Steve was always determined and resilient. Nothing showed that more than his refusal to let illness stop him from staying mobile and independent. Last spring, he began riding his bike daily, often to McFarland and back. He also adventured along bike trails in Albany, Oregon, and New Glarus. He was ready to go anywhere on that bike, ultimately putting over 2,000 miles on it.

He loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish and passing down the peace he found on the water. He proudly cheered from the sidelines as one of his grandson’s biggest basketball fans, never missing a chance to support him. And he cherished the joy of dancing with his granddaughters, creating memories that will forever be held close. Among his proudest blessings was the arrival of his newest granddaughter, born just days before his passing. Though he could not meet her, our family believes he held on until he knew she was safely here, fighting through his final days as she fought for her firsts. And when she began to strengthen under God’s healing grace, he peacefully let go — a miracle we will always see as God’s love and a reflection of his deep faith.

Steve is survived by his wife Carolyn; his children Brian (Wendy) Topp, Jared (Crystal) Schultz, Krista Crawford, Chad (Lindsay) Schultz, Brett (April) Topp; grandchildren McKenzie, Reagan, Tavian, Aniyah, Violette, Addison, Braelynn; great-grandchildren Claire and Vivian; siblings John (Jackie) Schultz, Susie (Rodney) Loger, Phil (Jane) Schultz, Bret (Amy) Schultz, Sheila (Roy) Maier, Sandi (Tim) Salava; in-laws Joyce Buckley, Roger (Donna) Strandlie, Lowell Strandlie, Dwayne (Tina) Strandlie, Lori (Roger) Turk as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Heavenly; grandparents Marvin Niendorf and Esther (Turk) Neindorf, son Danny Topp; mother-in-law Leona Ehle; father-in-laws Owen Ehle and John Strandlie Jr; sister-in-law Patrica Frank; brother-in-law Kendall Strandlie and by Tundra, his beloved golden retriever.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at LakeView Church, 2200 Lincoln Ave., Stoughton, with Pastor Andy Fuqua officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will take place afterward at St. Barnabas Cemetery in Mazomanie, WI. A separate visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their care, compassion and support to us during this very difficult time.

“Steve, go rest high on that mountain. Your work here on earth is done. Give your mom that big hug you have been waiting for. Your great smile and zealous laughter will forever be in our memory.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations-

Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711

LakeView Church, 2200 Lincoln Ave. Stoughton, WI 53589

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com