Stephen R. Silber

We have lost another pair of the depression-era old guard that fought for our freedom, and then set out to raise a family that would cherish this country as much as they did. Armed only with honest values, common sense, and a large dose of responsibility, Steve & Roz set out to pay forward the Christian values that once embodied this nation to their offspring. Steve found peace on December 10, 2021. His loving wife of 63 years, Rosella, passed away quietly on Valentine’s Day. Steve and Roz started out in the tavern business in 1963 at The Harp and Shamrock, then purchased The Leprechaun Lounge in 1965, both in Milwaukee. They started in small “family bars” and worked up to a large place that employed the whole family. They ran Mellody Bar, then founded Gare-Bears, The Fin ‘n Feather, Essinger’s and finally The Network, excelling in all of these ventures, where success was measured in good customers, good employees, great friends and business partners. They earned the respect of everyone they worked with. Along the way they sponsored and hosted a weekly polka radio show on WYLO featuring Fritz the Plumber, and ran many bus trips to various polka venues. They were elected into the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame for the promotion of polka and old time music. Many pool, dart, bowling and baseball teams were sponsored. Dad began his hard-working life by helping his father in masonry, then proceeded through high school, multiple odd jobs, the army, Marquette University with a degree in finance, bank examiner, father and entrepreneur. From Wisconsin farm roots, Mom went on to au pair, then became a mother and business partner to Dad. Together, they raised five children to stand on their own feet and live independent lives. Preceded in death by many other family members and friends, they are survived by their children Mark (Carolyn) Silber, Mike (Shelly) Silber, Michele (Dave) George, Steve (Kim) and Jennifer Silverman, brother Don, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were lovingly cared for by family until their deaths, and we wish to extend thanks to the hospice team of St. Camillus for their compassion and dignity. Memorials to St. Camillus are appreciated. A celebration of Steve & Roz’s life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 at The Polish Center of Wisconsin, 6941 S. 68th St, Franklin.