Steven Jay Sanders, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 9, 2026.

Steve was born on February 6, 1951, to Edmond Jay Sanders and Mary Lou (Mauel) Sanders. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Alaska. On August 16, 1975, he married the love of his life, Donna Lenz, beginning a marriage that would span more than 50 years.

Steve began his career at Giddings & Lewis, where he developed a strong work ethic and lifelong friendships. He later continued his career with Pierce Manufacturing, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 62. Throughout his working years, Steve was known for his dedication, reliability, and the relationships he built with coworkers and friends alike.

Steve was a familiar face throughout Kaukauna and was known by nearly everyone he met. Whether he was driving around town, stopping at local businesses, sharing stories with friends, or tending bar on Sundays, he never met a stranger. His gift for conversation, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made him a friend to many. A man of many talents and a true jack-of-all-trades, Steve was always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or help someone in need. Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers knew they could count on him when they needed support. He had a unique way of making everyone feel welcome, remembered, and appreciated. Among the many lessons he shared with his family, one of his most frequent reminders to his grandchildren was to always stay humble—a piece of advice they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Above all else, Steve cherished his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, creating memories with them, sharing stories, and watching them grow. An avid fisherman, he found peace and happiness on the water and enjoyed every opportunity to cast a line. He taught those he loved to embrace life, seize opportunities, make memories, and never let life pass them by. His family will forever treasure the lessons he taught through both words and actions, especially his unwavering encouragement to live life to the fullest.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Sanders; his daughter, Paula Grissman, and son-in-law, Matt Grissman; grandchildren Brock, Claire, and Blake Diedrick; step-granddaughters Allie Diedrick and Alexus Grissman; brother, Scott Sanders and his wife, Joan; brother, Paul Sanders; sister, Kay Trettin; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Marquardt; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond Jay Sanders and Mary Lou (Mauel) Sanders; his mother-in-law, Mary Lenz; father-in-law, James Lenz; sister-in-law, Diane Marquardt; and brothers-in-law, Gary Marquardt and Dale Marquardt.

In keeping with Steve’s wishes, a private family ceremony will be held at Verkuilen Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home. Family and friends will be invited to celebrate his life at a later date, where laughter, stories, and memories of the man who touched so many lives will be shared.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, as well as the compassionate caregivers of St. Paul Home Hospice, for the exceptional care, comfort, and support they provided to Steve and his family during his final days. Their kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the countless friendships he built, the laughter he shared, the stories he told, and the memories he helped create. He was the kind of man who could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them feeling like an old friend. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the family, friends, and community that loved him.