Richard Joseph “Willy” Steffes

PORTAGE  --  Richard Joseph “Willy” Steffes, age 53, of Portage, passed away on September 26, 2013 at his home.

Richard was born on May 2, 1960 in Milwaukee, the son of Kenneth and Marianne (Balcerowski) Steffes. He was a tribal member of the Oneida Nation.  Richard had worked as a maintenance supervisor at Ho-Chunk Casino in Lake Delton.  He loved to go fishing; loved low-riders;  enjoyed music and watching M.A.S.H.  Richard was very funny and outgoing, and enjoyed making everyone laugh.  He also loved to cook.

He is survived by four children, Ashawnta Fermanich, Adams, Angelina Steffes, Baraboo, Robert Steffes, Wisconsin Dells, and Dillon Frogg, Wisconsin Dells;  his brother and sister, Ralph Balcerowski, Prairie du Sac, and Candace (Steven P.) Mejchar, Wisconsin Dells;  seven grandchildren;  his niece and nephew, Tiffany Mejchar and Steven J. Mejchar;  other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert James, and his step-mother, Linda Steffes.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  Burial will follow.  Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 W. Wisconsin St., Portage, WI  53901.