Stephen A. Hodgkins

Born: Washburn, WI | 3 – 11 – 50

Died: Green Bay, WI | 12 – 8 – 23

Steve unexpectedly suffered a massive stroke and is now at rest with Our Lord.

Steve was born in Washburn, Wisconsin and grew up in Schofield, Wisconsin. He was a 1968 graduate of DC Everest High School. As a boy, Steve had a close group of friends that all enjoyed skating and building fires on the frozen lake shore to cook hot dogs and potatoes—in addition to many other shenanigans.

In high school, Steve was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He obtained a private pilot's license in his early years and always loved to fly. Steve was also a HAM radio operator for years (call signs: KA90KY and AAT5XR).

Steve was eager to serve his country; his favorite colors were red, white and blue. In 1968, he enlisted in the Navy where he served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Roosevelt, VF 84 Jolly Rogers in hydraulic system maintenance. Steve earned a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Award.

After Steve's military service, he worked for Drott and JI Case in Wausau, Wisconsin where he would travel the country and Canada to install and train others for heavy equipment operations. When Drott closed, Steve moved to Georgia where he worked as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor at the Georgia Ports Authority on the very equipment he had installed there! He lived in Georgia for the next 15 years.

Steve and Jessica met in 1997 at a mutual friend's backyard barbeque in Schofield, Wisconsin. During their very first interaction, Jessica asked Steve: "Do you know any old country songs?" Steve replied with a wide grin: "I know every one that was ever written." They were married shortly thereafter in 1999.

Steve would weld and make many things for his wife in their garden; they made a home in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin for almost 25 years.

Steve was a family man. He loved all his children and grandchildren dearly. Steve especially loved to place his passions and creative talents at the service of his family. Steve frequently took his children on airplane rides when they were little and always made them "good groceries"—such as egg sandwiches for Emily in the shape of a heart. Speaking of Steve's "creative talents," one time at a family reunion in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, he shot off a homemade cannon across the lake and has been banned from the city to this day.

Steve had every tool known to man and knew how to use them all, too! He could fix anything. And he had a heart as big as his laugh and smile. He would help anyone in any way he could, especially when it came to a hands-on project. One of his mottos: "You have to be smarter than the job you're doin' and the tools you're usin'!"

A 40+ year member of the Loyal Order of the Moose—whose mission it is to help others, especially underserved children and senior citizens—Steve was always quick to ask anyone he met the question: "Heard of the Moose? Well, let me give you the nickel tour…" followed by: "You should join—it's a great organization." Steve served as governor of lodges both in Statesboro, Georgia (#1089) and Stevens Point, Wisconsin (#1572). He loved helping the Moose in any way he could, including serving veterans breakfast, trunk-or-treat events, and fundraisers. If you drive by the Stevens Point lodge, you will see Steve's craftsmanship of the large steel moose he welded and painted. A special thanks to Mark Wanta ("Brother Administrator") for his friendship throughout the years.

In later years, Steve grew in his Catholic faith and became a 2nd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus (Council No. 1170).

A man of many talents, Steve also loved to cook and bake. Many friends and neighbors enjoyed his homemade Christmas goodies, cinnamon rolls, chicken soup, and pulled pork. He LOVED hosting neighborhood parties and later discovered his passion for karaoke! His go-to playlist was anything old country. Steve's favorites included anyone named Hank: Williams, Snow, Cochran, etc. All that knew him can attest that Steve was the life of the party because he lived life to the fullest. =)

In addition to his family at the Moose, neighbors were his extended family. Steve loved the little kids on the Lane and always waved at them. He shared his love of the Navy with any young man and encouraged them to serve. Steve was thrilled to learn that his friend Beau Diederich had enlisted this year.

Steve had a daily date with his Call of Duty buddies from around the US and world.

Steve's newfound hobby was creating things with his Cricut machine; he made many shirts, jackets, and the like for the Moose, family and friends. Not just with shirts but with anything, the sparklier, the blinkier, the bolder, the more "googly eyes," and the more glow-in-the-dark, the better!

Consistent with his larger-than-life personality was Steve's love for outlandish and hilarious Halloween costumes. A few of his notable ones include Popeye, Chewbacca, and an inflatable alien—not to mention the time he dressed up as "Stephanie" to raise money at the Moose. Of course, the fundraiser was his idea.

In Steve's memory, pop in his favorite movie "South Pacific," raise a glass of Maker's Mark and toast him with a Hank Williams song….and join the Moose (moose.org)!

In addition to his wife Jessica, Steve is survived by his children Jennifer Hodgkins, Sara (Brian) Anderson, Andy (Tara) Hodgkins, and Emily Dalsky. Steve's siblings: Audrey (Gordon) Franks, John (Sandy) Hodgkins and Howard Hodgkins. His grandchildren: Nolan and Olivia Anderson and Lochlan and Cora Hodgkins. And many beloved nieces and nephews. Best friend Gary (Judy) Lewers—his "little buddy." Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father Irene and Walter Hodgkins as well as his brothers Arden, Clary, and Dave Larson. Heartfelt gratitude to everyone on Konkol Lane, especially neighbors Marshall and Tricia Lee and Sandi and Dale Diederich for all their help during Steve's final days.

Steve wanted to share these final words with his loved ones:

"That I love them all. To keep me in their prayers. To ask for their forgiveness. To thank them for all they have done for me in my life."

Services will be held at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3995 Co. Rd. K, (Fancher) Amherst, WI  54406 with Visitation,  Friday, January 5, 2024 4-7 pm (Rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by Moose ceremony), Visitation followed on Saturday, January 6, from 10-11a.m., Mass of Christian burial at 11a.m..

-And that Steve's final wishes were to be buried at Sea with Naval honors.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS