Steven Potratz

Steven Donald Potratz, 56, Wausau and formerly of Oshkosh, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his loving family following a brief battle with cancer.

Steve was born July 27, 1959 in Wauwatosa to the late Donald and Carol (Stegemann) Potratz. He graduated from Oshkosh North High School before earning his BA in Sociology from UW Whitewater. For a number of years, Steve managed and owned the S&S Café in Mosinee, WI and later in life he worked as an installer with Accurate Installations of Milwaukee.

Steve was a very kind and compassionate person with a great sense of humor and a fun competitive streak in him. He loved supporting the underdog and was a proud member of the Lions Club in Mosinee helping those in need. Steve was very proud of his son, Jordan, and was overjoyed when he learned that his son had decided to serve in the US Marine Corps. Over the years, he would play softball, basketball and football. Steve was a sports enthusiast; never missing an opportunity to go the Final Four and watch the Green Bay Packers in person or on TV.

Steve is survived by his son, Jordan Olesen; sister, Diane Dodds; nieces, Laura (Sam) Vanden Langenberg and Anna Dodds and extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 24 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. Pastor Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the church on Sunday. Steve will be laid to rest in Oshkosh at a later date. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A special word of thanks goes to the doctors, nurses and staff from the Aspirus Cancer Center and Palliative Care for their compassionate care for Steve and his family over the past months. Also, a heartfelt word of thanks goes to all of Steve's friends and family who brought love and caring with each and every visit.