Steven Soczka

Steven Stanley Soczka of Edgar, passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born on May 4, 1952, in Wausau to Alois and Julia (Serafin) Soczka. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Cassel. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1970 and married Janice (Wendtland) Soczka on October 28, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church in Marathon. Together, they shared 53 funfilled years of marriage and raised two daughters, Kelly and Amanda.

They lived in Wausau for a short time while Steve worked at Wausau Homes and Janice went to school to become a nurse. He fulfilled his dream of being a farmer when he bought his first farm in the Town of Cassel. Steve dairy farmed for 12 years, then beef and crop farmed until 2023. He received the Young Farmer’s Award in 1985 for agricultural and conservation practices. He attended Mid-State Technical College where he earned an associate degree of Applied Science in Manufacturing Engineering in 1989. After graduation, Steve worked as a quality control manager for Hoeffer Glass, then worked as a quality control technician at SNE for 15 years while still maintaining his hobby farm. His last position before retirement was as an agricultural sales representative at Service Motors in Wausau for five years. As a salesman, Steve enjoyed the time he spent talking to farmers. He loved farming; the smell of the fresh earth when tilled in the spring, standing in the corn field on 4th of July to see how tall his corn had grown, and the excitement of counting the number of kernels on the corn cobs in fall.

Community participation was important to Steve. He served as a town supervisor for the Town of Cassel for several years. Steve especially loved restoring and pulling antique Farmall/International Harvester tractors in various tractor pulls. He was an FFA Alumni member and ran the Edgar FFA Alumni tractor pull for 15 years. Steve received a National Honorary FFA Degree in 2018 from the Edgar FFA for making long-term contributions to agricultural education. Steve was an active member of the Northcentral Wisconsin Antique Gas & Steam Engine Club since 1990. He strongly believed in preserving and educating future generations about their agricultural heritage. Family was the most important thing to Steve. He enjoyed spending time around the campfire with his family and friends where he shared stories and added wood to make the fire bigger and better. Steve and Janice opened their home and their “Party Barn” to celebrate family milestones, weddings and fundraisers. They believed in celebrating life to the fullest. Steve is survived by Janice (Wendtland); their children: Kelly (Bruce) Steidinger and Amanda (Mike) Altmann; stepgrandchildren: Jeremiah Steidinger and Amanda Steidinger and one step-great grandson on his way.

He is also survived by siblings: Theresa Bornheimer, Victor (Dawn) Soczka, Alois (Jill) Soczka Jr., Henry Soczka, Annie Mae (Pete) Kingston, John (Irene) Soczka and Sandra (Joel) Rome; in-laws: James Wendtland, Larry (Janice) Wendtland, Lois (Ron) Maldonis, Gary (Val) Wendtland and Gale (Wayne) Waddle and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Julia Soczka; in-laws, Clarence and Darlene Wendtland; brothers: David and Carl Soczka; sistersin- law: Gail Wendtland and Faith Ann Soczka, and nephews: Scott Soczka, Michael and Richard Wendtland.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 222761 County Road S, Marathon City. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Richard Andreshak, Mark Elsen, Cory Soczka, Cody Soczka and Libby Block.

If desired, the family is accepting memorials in Steve’s name for a charity to be determined.

Steve’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com.