Steven F Hayes

Steven F. Hayes, 64, passed away May 15, 2019, after a courageous 6 -year fight with prostate cancer. He was lovingly surrounded by family. Born May 8, 1955, in Oshkosh, Steve moved to Neenah in November 1982 upon his marriage to Barbara (Konrad) Beck.

Steve is survived by Barbara, his wife of over 36 years; daughter Heather May (Seth) and grandson Dylan May, Rockford, Illinois; step-daughter Erika King (Fond du Lac), grandsons Jacob Kleinschmidt, Neenah, Jordan Kleinschmidt, Neenah, and Jonah Kleinschmidt, Fond du Lac; granddaughter Ayva King, Fond du Lac; siblings: Tom Hayes, Nevada; Patricia (Steve) Haverty, Texas; Don Hayes, Oregon; Jerry (Nancy) Hayes, Kaukauna; nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Marguerite (Noe) and Frank Hayes, sibling Michael, and other relatives.

Steve received his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He spent 23 years as an employee of Kimberly-Clark Corporation retiring in 2005. He then became an independent consultant working for Kimberly-Clark. He specialized in air systems and ventilation for infant, feminine, and adult care products during his consulting tenure until 2014. His work took him to Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. He is remembered as a knowledgeable teacher and mentor who excelled in his subject area and was passionate and dedicated to his work.

He enjoyed many varied hobbies, was a committed athlete, completing 3 marathons and enjoying many miles of bicycling—solo riding and group rides with friends at home and abroad. He felt most connected to his Creator when enjoying a ride and called those times his ‘church.’ Steve was a natural ‘tinkerer’ who found pleasure in being a ‘Mr. Fix-It’ and excelled at home renovation and woodworking projects. His interests also included scuba diving, snorkeling, vintage arcade games, emergent technology, and the music of Olivia Newton-John, Gloria Estefan, Abba, and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ).

Steve was a steadfast, selfless, and gracious man. He was a patient, kind, nurturing, understanding, compassionate husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He always put a smile on your face and cared about others before himself. His persistent positivity and quirky humor endeared him to all who had the blessing of crossing his path. He had an infectious sense of wonder and adventure and enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, specifically to his favorite travel spots of Australia, the Hawaiian Islands--especially Maui--and St. Maarten. He encouraged everyone to ‘find their beach’ and enjoy the quiet moments in life.

Steve’s family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at WI Institute of Urology and ThedaCare Cancer Center in both Appleton and Neenah for their continuous support, care, love, and encouragement during his journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 1, 2019, at Lakeview Memorial Park, 2786 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, with visitation at 2 pm and a memorial service at 2:30. A celebratory gathering/buffet will follow. With respect to Steve’s wishes, he suggests attendees wear Hawaiian/tropical attire or bicycling jersey, and to “celebrate”. In lieu of flowers, Steve may be remembered with donations to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to support research efforts, or the Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, which provided him invaluable personal support.