In loving memory of

Stephen F. Mayeshiba
March 6, 2018

Madison - Stephen Francis Mayeshiba, age 63, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Born to Andrew and Irene Mayeshiba, Stephen grew up the fourth of five children in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later served in the United States Army for three years as a translator in South Korea, and then attended UW-Parkside where he met and married Karen, who would be his wife for the next 35 years. They eventually settled in Madison, where he worked as a database systems specialist with the UW-Madison, Division of Information Technology.

Stephen had a lifelong interest in photography and video production, recording countless landscapes, screenplays, presentations, and family histories over the years. Stephen also played an active role in his church community where he sang in the choir, led worship as a lay speaker, and served in many leadership positions in the Wisconsin United Methodist Church, including as the Southwest District Lay Leader. Most recently, Stephen loved playing an active role in the lives of his two grandsons, who will look back on many fond memories of tricycle rides, spaceship adventures, and pinewood derbies with their grandfather.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Karen; two sons, Matthew (Tam) and Timothy; daughter, Julia; two grandsons; three brothers, a sister, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15 from 5pm-8pm at Wellspring United Methodist Church, 5602 South Hill Dr., Madison, WI, 53705. A Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Friday, March 16th, with visitation from 10-11am, a service at 11am, and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Stephen's name can be made to Wellspring UMC.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434

Tributes

Mark & Janice Bauman wrote on Mar 15, 2018:

"Steve was a kind and gentle man. We'll miss him as a great neighbor who valued sharing time with friends and his family. We wish God's peace & grace for his family - Karen, Matt, Tim, & Julia."

Rob Zimmerman wrote on Mar 15, 2018:

"Steve was a excellent colleague to work with, his dedication and knowledge was the best. We need more like him, his will be missed. His memories will live on. "

Linda J Whitelock wrote on Mar 14, 2018:

"Steve was one of the kindest, gentle men I have ever met. It was a honor to be a lay speaker with him. Linda J Whitelock"

Rick Post wrote on Mar 13, 2018:

"Steve was truly one of a kind. He will be missed. We need more like him. "

Carol Cizauskas wrote on Mar 12, 2018:

"Steve was the kind of soul who saw each person. He would ask loving questions of each of us in our group to bring us deeper into the heart of our contemplative practice. His kindness and gentle wit helped each of us feel included and valued."

Robin Pettersen wrote on Mar 12, 2018:

"I was so fortunate to have sung in choir and participated in worship services with Steve. What a generous and loving man."

christina Wagner wrote on Mar 11, 2018:

"Karen and Family, What a thoughtful tribute to a great man, beautifully written. He loved you all so much, and my heart aches for you. Chris Wagner"

Pat Leighty wrote on Mar 10, 2018:

"So truly heartbroken. The community lost a great leader and humanitarian. Steve touched a lot of lives. "