STEPHEN HAY

Stephen John Hay, died unexpectedly in his sleep on February 20, 2023, at his home in Winchester, Wisconsin.  His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death.  Steve was a Valentine's baby, born to John and Esther Hay in Ironwood Michigan on February 14, 1957.  He had just celebrated his 66^th birthday the week of his death.

Steve graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan in 1975.  He was an avid tennis player and had fun traveling with his team when competing in other cities.  Following high school he attended Northern Michigan University to study art.  Steve created many beautiful drawings and paintings. 

Steve's professions included food service, manufactured home sales, painting and restoration and during his later years he worked as a golf course groundskeeper.  He received an associate's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Following his time at college he returned to Ironwood Michigan to work alongside his parents at Hay's Café on McLeod Avenue.  Steve was a great cook and had worked at supper clubs during his college years.

On February 13, 1988, Steve married Cherre McDonald of Ontonagon, Michigan during a Valentine's wedding ceremony held at the country club in Rothschild, Wisconsin.  Steve and Cherre and Cherre's son Christopher resided in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Steve was a successful salesman for a Wisconsin manufactured homes dealer.  He often received awards including a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico which was a fond memory for Cherre and Steve.   

In 2001, Steve and Cherre moved away from the cold Wisconsin winters to Florence, South Carolina.  They both loved animals and through the years had cockatiels, cats and dogs.  Steve's dog Buddy was a long-time companion during Steve's younger years and Chandler, his 14 and a half year old Chihuahua was with Steve when he died. 

After his wife Cherre died in 2014, Steve's South Carolina “family” were his co-workers and friends he met while working as a groundskeeper at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Florence.  When the golf course changed owners Steve decided to retire and move back to Wisconsin to be closer to his sisters and their families.  His sisters drove to Florence in April 2021 and helped move him to Neenah, Wisconsin, enjoying a fun and crazy sibling road trip. 

Steve found the perfect home for his retirement years in a country setting in the small town of Winchester, Wisconsin near Neenah.  He and his dog Chandler enjoyed many peaceful times relaxing on the deck and listening to birds, watching beautiful sunsets and spotting wild life.  Steve loved taking pictures of deer in the fields around his home, including the albino deer residing in that area.  Steve fondly called his home “The Retreat.”  He loved being back in Wisconsin and was very happy enjoying his retirement years while being close to family.

Steve is survived by his sister Janice (Rock) Suutala, Neenah, Wisconsin, niece Carrissa (Corrado) Pannuzzo and great nephews Agostino (Auggie) Pannuzzo and Leonardo (Leo) Pannuzzo, Neenah, Wisconsin; sister Deb (Dan) Halberg, St. Michael, Minnesota, nephew Devon (Gina) Halberg, great nephews Ben Halberg, Bryce Halberg and great niece Briella Halberg, Plymouth, Minnesota.  Steve is also survived by his dog Chandler, his long-time companion who he loved dearly.

Steve was always a positive person in spite of hardships in his life.  He kept an optimistic outlook throughout life, looked for the best in all those he met and never had a harsh word to say about anyone.  He told funny stories about his experiences often causing listeners to laugh so hard they cried. Some of his favorite memories were of times spent at the family cottage in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, especially when cousins visited.  Steve loved Jesus as His Savior and attended Shepherd of the Hills church in Greenville, Wisconsin.  He is having fun times with Mom and Dad in Heaven. 

A celebration of Steve's life will be held in April.