We lost a beloved fiancé, dad, a treasured Grandpa, friend, and more. Steven E. Lewallen passed peacefully at home in Oshkosh at the age of 72 after a recurrence of cancer, which he fought with all he could muster. He was born in Danville, IL on January 12,1954, to Bernard and Ruth (Holappa) Lewallen.

Steve graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1976 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked in the foundry business in Illinois before being recruited to Neenah Foundry where he worked for over 20 years. He then became the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Cast Metals Association and, also, worked for the Focus on Energy program in the Foundry sector, retiring at the end of 2025. He loved his work and traveled to foundries in and out of Wisconsin and abroad and met many wonderful people and made cherished relationships throughout his career. He traveled to Washington D.C. for many years to advocate for the foundry industry.

He leaves behind his fiancé, Kathy Beck, Oshkosh, with whom he lived life to its fullest; his two daughters that he was very proud of, Staci (Mike) Allen, Appleton, WI, and Lindsey (Mike) Rush, Jupiter, FL; four grandchildren whom he loved very much, Luke and Gabe Allen, Lucy and Benjamin Rush, who adored him and who lovingly called him, “Old Goat” and “Koala”. Also, a brother, Craig Lewallen (Vicki Squires), Umatilla, FL, a sister, Carole (Harry) Mullins, Foristell, MO; and nieces and nephew, Tricia (Corey) Richardson, Andrea Lewallen, Hannah and Benjamin Mullins along with many other great-nieces and nephews; and a very good friend and brother to Kathy, Gary Beck; and mother of his girls, Eileen Lewallen, will also mourn his passing. Also, his very special friends, Bob and Tammy Neal. Bob and Steve have been best friends since first grade and “did life together” as traveling partners, Indy fans, and much more.

Steve will be remembered as a fun-loving guy, ready to meet everyone with warm hugs and his great sense of humor, making everyone laugh with his stories and shenanigans and making new stories that left a lasting impression. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining indoors and outdoors. He was an enthusiastic car racing and football fan having those and other parties and picnics that included corn roasts, fish frys and fireworks. He enjoyed sharing a good cocktail and an occasional cigar. His happiest times were enjoying his family and friends on the lake, captaining his boat, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, plays and concerts, and fishing locally with friends. He also enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, fishing in Canada and Alaska, taking Corvette rides and trying Wisconsin supper clubs. He loved the U.P and his Finnish heritage. He lived life to the absolute fullest.

Steve spent 32 years as a member of the Neenah Lions Club where he made many great friends and served his community with pride.

Our family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating his life, beautifully lived, at his funeral liturgy, which will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 500 W. Marquette Street in Appleton. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:30 AM. The Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton is providing care for Steve and our family.

We would also like to thank Dr. Klinkhammer and his nursing staff, Dr. Bovi and Paige Hein, RN, and many others for the exceptional care they took of our family.