Stephen Nolan Wanecke

Stephen Nolan Wanecke, departed this world on July 26, 2026, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Born on December 2, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, Stephen’s life was rich with moments of kindness, accomplishment, and an enduring dedication to uplifting those around him.

A proud graduate of Bennett Academy in Lisle, Illinois, class of 1970, Stephen carried the values instilled in his youth throughout a lifespan marked by both devotion and service.  Stephen was humble and proud of his 40 years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol.  He knew that only through sobriety was he able to achieve and experience the richness of what life has to offer.  Running kept him sober resulting in respectable times in major marathons, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

But Stephen’s greatest victories were arguably won away from any starting line. For four decades, he embraced the discipline and grace of sobriety, transforming his own journey into a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others. As an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Stephen dedicated himself to guiding others along their own roads to recovery. His compassion extended far beyond words, evident in his service counseling at the county jail or acting as a sponsor to others.  He modeled service.  He was an annual bell ringer with the Salvation Army and routinely served at Homeless Shelters.  He collected and delivered food during Harvest Sunday.  He went on three mission trips following devastation from hurricanes and floods.  In each of these roles, Stephen embodied quiet dignity and steadfast generosity, uplifting the most vulnerable with empathy and humanity.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life, deeply involved in the St. Elizabeth Seton Church community in Naperville, Illinois, where he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. In faith and fellowship, Stephen found both strength and purpose, always ready to lend a hand or listening ear.

But, Stephen's greatest achievement was that of husband and father.  Nothing was more important than loving and taking care of his family.  He was always supportive, engaged, and present in the lives of his children.  Stephen’s love and loyalty defined his relationships. He is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Wanecke, whose partnership was a source of great joy and devotion. Cherished daughters Madeline Gail Wanecke and Stephanie Louise BLoxham carry forth his legacy of perseverance and love. Stephen’s presence will also be felt in the lives of his grandchildren, Grace Louise and Audrey Gail, who will learn about their "papa" from others who knew him.  

Among those who survive him, his siblings Thomas Wanecke (and his wife, Kathy), Kevin Wanecke (and his wife, Hilary), Lucy Rubley (and her husband, Doug) and Mary Reasner, mourn his passing while celebrating a lifetime of familial bond and shared memories. His son-in-law David Bloxham, who he admired and respected, nieces, nephews, and others in his extended family, remember him with deep affection. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen Francis Wanecke, Anne Nolan Wanecke, and brother, David Wanecke.

Stephen Nolan Wanecke’s journey was remarkable not only for the milestones crossed, but for the lives quietly changed by his compassion and steadfastness. His absence leaves a profound void, but his example endures—an eloquent reminder that a life devoted to love, service, and faith is a life beautifully lived.

There are no services scheduled for Stephen at this time.  

To share an a memory of Stephen please proceed to the bottom of the obituary under Guest Book where you can submit your post.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Stephen's family.