Steven R. Jansen

Steven R. Jansen, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home, following a five-month battle with AML surrounded by his family on April 29, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1951, son of the late Richard and Grace (Hopfensperger) Jansen

Steve was raised in Little Chute, WI and graduated from St. John High School in 1969. Steve enlisted in the Army in July of 1969.

Steve was a Combat Medic with the 1st of the 7th Calvary in Vietnam from January 12, 1970 to December 1970. Steve was a Bronze Star recipient and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #258. After his military service Steve worked at Appleton Papers (Appvion) until his retirement. He formed many lifelong friendships there.

Even more than cookies or sweets, Steve loved his wife Di. They were married on July 7, 2000.

Steve is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane (Kita) Jansen; son, Brian (Anthony) Jansen; granddaughter, Gabrielle (fiancé, Issaac LeBlanc) Jansen; great granddaughters: Violet and Holly; sisters: Nancy (Ron Kons) Vanevenhoven, Katie (Marty) Marasch, Linda Gibson and Julie (Bruce) Verhagen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mark Verhagen, Terry Kita, Ron (Sylvia) Kita, Jim (Kay) Kita, John (Julie) Kita and Jackie Gonzalez; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Grace Jansen; son, Eric Jansen; sisters: Char (Jim) Bricco and Cindy Verhagen; father and mother-in-law, James and Catherine Kita; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bruce Vanevenhoven, Jimmie Gibson, Ann Kita and Shelley (Don) Sauer.

Steve had a very quick wit. He will be fondly remembered by his family, friends and all those fortunate to know him. He was a good-looking guy, a real stud muffin (his words).

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute. Visitation will be at the church from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Full military honors will be performed by the Little Chute American Legion, Post #258. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

 The Jansen family would like to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare Appleton Cancer Center and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their loving and compassionate care given to Steve and Diane.