STEVEN VANDER PAL

STEVEN VANDER PAL

     On Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, Steven (Steve) Joseph Vander Pal, loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away at age 75 in Black River Falls, WI. Steve was born Nov. 19, 1946, in McHenry, IL, to Claude and Ruth (nee Huffar) Vander Pal. He was baptized as an adult into the Christian faith. On Oct. 28, 1967, he married Penny Recknagel. Steve and Penny were blessed with three children, Bradley, Eric and Cassandra. In 1977, the family moved to Millston, WI. Shortly after moving to Millston, in 1979, Steve began his own HVAC service business, Warrens Heating Service, which he worked at and managed for 30 years. In 2009, Steve took a job as a full-time bus driver for the Black River School District.  He retired in June 2020. 

     Steve loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed horses and motorcycles (“Hondas not Harleys” he would say). Steve and family joined Trinity Lutheran Church of Millston, WI, in 1980. In 2012, Steve and Penny became members of Morning Star Lutheran Church in Fairchild, WI. Steve was so thankful to be taught that prayer in the woods was not enough, that he needed to be in church to hear the Word of God preached in order for his faith to grow. He loved attending church and learning about His Savior Jesus, along with doing the many necessary behind-the-scenes things at church, like mowing the lawn, putting the hymn numbers on the hymn board and taking care of the candles, among many others.

     Steve was preceded in death by his father, Claude, his stepfather, William Seaver, his mother, Ruth, six siblings, and his daughter Cassandra.

     He is survived by his wife, Penny; his son, Bradley (Heather) Vander Pal of Apple Valley, MN; his son, Eric (Jessica) Vander Pal of Hixton, WI; his brother, Terry Vander Pal; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

     A funeral service was held Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Fairchild, WI, at 11 a.m. with a visitation at 10 a.m. Pastor Chad Seybt officiated.

     Condolences may be sent to Penny Vander Pal at 1020 Pine Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615.

     Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.