Steven Lee Rohrbeck
PORTAGE - - Surrounded by his loving family members, Steven Lee Rohrbeck, age 70, of Portage, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.
Steve was born on October 1, 1955 in Portage as the son of Arwin Eugene Rohrbeck and Nancy Lee (Rohrbeck) Engstrom. Steve graduated from Portage High School in 1973. Steve married Deborah (Debbie) Ann Maier on February 14, 1976. Steve and Debbie had three sons and raised their family in Portage.
As a lifelong Portage resident, Steve truly loved the city and was well known for his many active roles throughout the community. Steve coached the St. John’s Lutheran School boys’ basketball team and sang in the St. John’s church choir in Portage. He served as an elected official on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and the Portage Common Council.
For 35 years, Steve was a certified Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) master official in baseball, softball, and volleyball. He officiated countless games ranging from middle and high school to Home Talent League throughout the state. In 1981, Steve was one of the founding members for the Portage Little League Baseball program, and he umpired the first Little League game in Portage history. Steve was inducted into the North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) Hall of Honor.
Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years; Debbie, his three sons; Andrew (Melissa), Benjamin (Kimberly), and Matthew (Darcie), and his brother; James. Steve treasured being a grandpa to his five grandchildren: Abigail, Noah, Madison, Elise, and Harvey.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Portage with Pastor Rod Armon, officiating. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. and go until 11:45 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by a luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portage Athletics Warrior Fund or the St. John’s Lutheran Church choir.
The family would like to thank Polly Koepp and Steve’s goddaughter, Sarah “Scooter” McLauchlin, for their love and compassion. To the members of his umpire family, thank you - Steve valued your friendship on and off the field.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
