Steven R. Leu, “Tarbs,” 68, Marshfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17th and from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18th, both at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield.
A Celebration of Life with law enforcement honors will be held on Saturday, December 18th at 12:30 p.m. at the Marshfield Eagles Club with a luncheon to follow.
Steve was born to Robert and Carol (Muenster) Leu on October 5, 1953 in Marshfield, WI. He graduated from Marshfield Senior High School in 1971. Steve married the love of his life Becky Huebner-Leu October 31, 1981. Steve and Becky had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year.
After his high school graduation, Steve worked for A&B Process Systems and earned his technical degree in Police Science in 1977. He then began his career in law enforcement working part-time for Athens Police Department. He was hired by Marshfield Police Department in 1985 and retired in 2014 as a Lead Officer.
Steve was a very active officer, serving as a firearms instructor, armorer, crisis negotiator, Honor Guard member, as well as on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Crisis Negotiators Association. He was well known for his shooting skills, earning many accolades over the years at the Wisconsin Professional Police Association state shooting competitions.
Steve sincerely enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience in not only shooting, but all aspects of the job with others. He was viewed by many as a leader and a mentor. He understood how to treat people respectfully and knew how to help promote growth and confidence in younger officers. His patience and knowledge in firearms and tactical training knew no limits. Steve’s passion for law enforcement continued into retirement, always sporting thin blue line attire and “backing the badge” any way he could.
Steve was well-known for his sense of humor and practical jokes. He rarely missed an opportunity to make others laugh with his witty one-liners, and his story and joke telling will be greatly missed. He loved sitting with friends and family reminiscing and telling all sorts of stories from his life experiences.
Steve truly believed that it isn’t what you get out of life, it’s what you give. Steve spent countless hours volunteering for the Marshfield Eagles Aerie 624 and the Marshfield Professional Police Association, organizations that he was extremely proud to be a part of. Steve helped in so many ways, raising money, selling raffle tickets, calling Bingo numbers, and delivering flowers for Rotary and Valentine’s Day.
Many flower recipients had laughs reading cards with Steve’s name added to them. He was also very proud to organize and emcee the annual Sportsman’s Night Out Banquet, and made sure that every youth in attendance left with a door prize. He was very passionate about instilling a love for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters.
In his retirement, Steve enjoyed staying busy. He drove school bus for Marshfield Bus and Kobussen Bus Company. When he wasn’t driving bus or helping at the Eagles Club, he spent most of his time at his cabins with his family and friends. Steve loved hunting (especially “deer camp”), fishing, four wheeling, and pontooning. He was a big Wisconsin Badger fan and had great times attending Badger football games and going on vacations with Becky. Steve was an absolute family man. He was extremely proud of both of his daughters, and adored his granddaughter.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Becky, daughters, Maria (Stephen) Prust and Julie (Bradley) Leu-Martinek, and granddaughter, Dylan Martinek. He is further survived by his sisters, Kathy (Chuck) Bubolz and Patty (Dan) Leu-Kinateder, brother, Jim Leu, special sister-in-law, Jo Layne (Steve) Klein, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Heartland Hospice as well as the special caring staff of 3N at Marshfield Medical Center.
