Steve J. Gillis, 68, a lifelong Wisconsin resident and devoted family person, grew his wings and graduated to heaven on Thursday, April 23, 2026, peacefully after a brief battle with cancer at Emplify/Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, WI.

Steve was born March 3, 1958, to Irvin and Doris (Parkos) Gillis. He was raised in Dyckesville, WI and graduated from Luxemburg-Casco High School, Class of 1976. In his youth he enjoyed wrestling in school, fishing, and fixing cars. He learned his mechanic trade at his grandpa and father's implement shop. He worked briefly at Green Bay Canning and as a young adult as a Forklift mechanic at James Rivers in Menasha and later in his working life at Yale Material Handling and retired from RGL.

Steve had many passions and hobbies in his life. He loved fishing at Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota, the Great Lakes, and all over Wisconsin. Annual trips to Wisconsin Dells and spending his days on the water and in winter cross country skiing. His family gathered often for fish fry's. He enjoyed competitive pool, shooting trap and bowling. Music was another of his passions, and he looked forward each year to attending multiple concerts, at Titletown District and Summerfest. His heartbeat band is The Pretty Reckless and Dorothy along with many old-time rock and roll bands. A loyal Wisconsinite through and through, Steve was also a dedicated sports fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and NASCAR or local racing.

Steve was deeply involved in his church community, where he generously gave his time and faith, including leading Bible studies, church council, and the Grumpy Old Men. He was glad he converted to Lutheranism.

His all-time favorite furball friend was Sneakers and previously was Tiger. Steve and Sneakers played hard in the garage and backyard. Then came Kuro who entered the household to give Sneakers a companion as Steve's illness progressed.

Steve cherished his family-human and furballs. He is survived by his loving wife, Heidi; his daughters, Chelsea (Tony) Michiels, Johanna (Andrew) Lederer, and Lauren (Isaac) Effa; his beloved grandchildren, Cohen, Loral, and Zayden; his siblings, Mary Dalebroux, John Gillis, Joe Gillis, and Jerry Gillis; nephews and niece, Chris (Shannon), Brandon, Brent, Dylan, Wayne, Trevor, Jessica (Dave). As well as his mother-in-law, Doris (née, Giese) Greve; brother-in-law, John Greve; sister-in-law, Suzie Brooks- Balskus and her husband, Mike; and Uncle Ronnie Giese.

He has been re-united with those that graduated to heaven before him: his parents, Irvin & Doris (Parkos) Gillis; brother, Don Gillis; father-in-law, Roger Greve; brother-in-law, Randy Dalebroux; sister-in-law, Vicky Greve, Jill Buhler (Jerry's significant other); and nephew, Joseph Chase Gillis.

Friends and family will gather at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Rd., from 10am to 12pm (NOON) on Saturday, May 2; Service to follow at 12pm. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Steve's name.

Steve's family and friends will remember his life's riches with family, friendship, and the many passions he so deeply enjoyed. His family would like to extend a huge thank you to his care team at Emplify/Bellin Health, Dr. Kumar, Dr. DeVilla and Dr. Liss along with the oncology team- as well as the hospital staff and the Unity Hospice team.