STEPHEN GRODE
January 12, 1947 - October 14, 2022
Obituary
Stephen John Grode, 75, died Friday, October 14, 2022, at his home. He was born in Neenah on January 12, 1947, to the late Carlton and Mary Jane (Sensenbrenner) Grode. Steve married Jeanne Jacques on November 2, 1968.
Steve proudly served his country as a corpsman in the US Navy / Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict and received numerous medals and a bronze star. He was scheduled to participate in the Honor Flight next month.
Steve grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1965. Following his time in Vietnam, Steve attended UW Madison where he received his bachelor's degree in Zoology and his master's degree in Hospital Administration. He worked at Fort Atkinson Hospital before moving back to the Fox Valley and working at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center. He felt great accomplishment in his role at Theda Clark by getting open heart surgeries certified and later, he was instrumental in getting Theda Star. He felt tremendous pride in being able to help his community receive the care they needed, quickly. Steve then moved to Marinette, WI where he wore many hats at Bay Area Medical Center which included assisting with building and planning projects. This led him to Nashville, Tennessee and at the age of 57, he found his dream job space planning and consulting with hospitals and clinics throughout all 50 states. In 2014, Steve decided he would retire. He and Jeanne moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family and he continued to work. He traveled throughout the country planning hospitals and clinics with his close friend, architect, and business associate, David Johnson.
Steve was a sports enthusiast who loved football, hockey, baseball, basketball and especially golf. You could find him cheering for his favorite teams, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Nashville Predators. He enjoyed watching and playing golf and got out any chance he could. Steve was recently able to fulfill a bucket list item, attending the last of the four Majors at the 150th Open at St. Andrews in Scotland with his son, Jason, and granddaughter, Amanda. Steve had a love for the outdoors and over the years hunted and fished with a recent trip on Lake Michigan with his son, John. Steve had many other interests and collections.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jeanne; daughter, Jennie Grode, Neenah WI; and three sons, John Jacob, Neenah, WI, Joshua (Leslie) Grode, Grayslake, IL, and Jason (Kristen) Grode, Blaine, MN; nine grandchildren, Amanda Grode, Oahu, HI, Devin, Kyrie, & Conor Jacob, Menasha, WI, Gabriella & Josiah Grode, Grayslake, IL, Maya, Jada & Izaak Grode, Blaine, MN; three sisters, Mary (Charles) Weithaus, Barbara (Michael) LeGault, Laura Grode; brother & best friend, Nick (Jan) Grode; In-laws, Lynne (David) Shaw, Roxanne (Mark) Fredrick, Bryan (Kate Barta) Jacques; and special goddaughters/nieces Sara Curro & Emily Larson, along with many other nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton & Mary Jane Grode and his In-Laws, Alan & Beverly Jacques.
Steve had a tremendous love for his family. He loved to cook when we all got together. He had an amazing way of making each person feel special. He made sure there was something for everyone regardless of diets, fads, and allergies. Words family and friends have used to describe Steve are honest, kind, selfless, patient, generous, and loyal, with a huge heart, and a love for life. As a couple, Steve and Jeanne were extremely generous, always giving to causes the two believed in, and showing their children and grandchildren “…Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver…” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Steve will be sorely missed by those of us left behind, but we are comforted by the love that Steve had for his Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ.
In keeping with his wishes, no services for Steve will be held. Family will celebrate his life at a later date.
A special thank you to the paramedics, Neenah fire and rescue, Neenah police, Jennifer (coroner), and Westgor Funeral Home for their kindness, respectfulness, and compassion shown to Jeanne, Jennie, and the rest of the family during this tough time.