Steven Waid Gingery

Steven W. Gingery, of Kronenwetter, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston, Wisconsin. 

He was born June 13, 1957, the son to the late Gerald and Sadie (Denton) Gingery and attended Farwell High School in Farwell, MI. He married the love of his life, Sheila Harpster on April 23, 1976, in Clare, MI. Steven and Sheila went on to create the life they wanted to live, being able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, spending time with one another, doing their hobbies and things that mattered most to them.

On February 27, 1981 Steven became a father for the first time and again on September 5, 1983 for the last time. This role was the pride of his lifetime. He loved watching his sons grow up and compete in sports and he served as their mentor for how they lived their own lives. He taught them his love of the outdoors, his ability to break down and solve complex problems, and his ability to fix anything that needed fixing. He was tough as nails and proved it constantly from fixing frozen water pipes in below zero temperatures for Sheila’s horse farm, making hay in the hottest days of the summer, erecting barns, garages, fences and other structures, to working on vehicles and tractors in need of repair. His hands were big and powerful and everyone that shook his hand knew just how strong he was. The size of his hands however paled in comparison to the size of his heart. Steven was authentic and genuine having never told a lie. This simple trait is uncommon in this world, and it endeared him all that crossed paths with him. It made him very good at his job to which he was known throughout the country. He held his friends and business associates with a high regard, but to Steven it was always family first. 

July 28, 2008, June 7, 2011, July 10, 2017, and June 19, 2019, he got his ultimate honor of being able to be called “Grandpa.” He doted on his grandkids and the love he had for them was unmatched. Everyone he ran into got to see pictures, hear stories, even watch videos of his grandkids. It was the most joyous part of his life, and he reveled in every moment of it.

Though he had many hobbies and interests, Steven appreciated the slower moments in life. He loved going out for breakfast with Sheila where the food was always served “terrible, just the way he likes it.” He loved waking up and making coffee for Sheila and talking to start his day. He loved looking out the window or sitting on the porch of his cabin to see deer wandering around, eagles flying over the lake and the peace and solitude reminding him of some of his favorite moments and people over the course of his magnificent life.

Survivors, besides his wife, Sheila, include his two sons: Adam (Christine) Gingery, Marshfield, and Ryan (Maria Theresa) Gingery, Ham Lake, MN; four grandchildren: Tyler, Allison, Abigaile “Abby”, Oliver “Ozzy”; a brother, David (Sondra) Gingery, Delta, OH; and a sister, Cynthia (Jim) Runner, Chino Valley, AZ.  His love and affection is strongly felt by everyone and these survivors are left with a lifetime of memories and love from an incredible human being and will miss him dearly.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com. The family would like to thank the clinical staff at Marshfield Clinic Health System for giving Steven a fighting chance at a terrible disease and his family comfort, grace and dignity in his final days.