Steven Falkowski

Steven (Steve) Falkowski, age 72, of Burlington, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 18th with his immediate family by his side, after a strong and courageous battle with many health issues, prolonged and becoming especially worsen from several near-death experiences with COVID-19.

Steve was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Bay View High School in 1970, where he became an accomplished Gymnast. His senior year placing third-in-state on the parallel bars.

After graduating from high school, Steve attended the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse and Oshkosh, but after two years of college, he took off “on-the-road” in the spirit of Jack Kerouac to find adventure out west in Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

After sowing his “wild oats,” Steve returned to Milwaukee in the mid-70’s where he worked in several skilled labored positions. Steve had a natural aptitude for everything from auto mechanics repair to carpentry to teaching himself to become a skilled jazz pianist. He and his former Spouse, Deborah Brzezinski, had one child together, Shannon, along with his Stepson, Paul, who they cherished and adored. Later, he married the love of his life, Jeanine Bruce, and they shared many more decades together, along with his Stepdaughter, Melissa.

Steve, always a nonconformist, was a strong-minded man possessing a plain-spoken voice that could sometimes make your head spin. He struggled at times during his life’s journey, but at the end of the day, he was a loving family man, working through and learning from challenges along the way.

Steve was a union painter and loyal member of IUPAT DC7/Local 781, and he thoroughly enjoyed his work, especially the use of a good paintbrush. Sometimes going rogue from his day job, Steve also loved to create abstract art in his free time.

Steve enjoyed classical jazz music, sports, existential philosophies, and talking passionately about politics, always advocating for the “under-dog.” He loved watching stand-up comedians and although his sense of humor was often quite colorful, he always spoke from his heart. He lived life on his terms and as Joseph Campbell once stated, “the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” – Steve Falkowski was who he was - an authentic original, caring, including a temper…he worked to manage it throughout his life, while continuing his loving, always generous and giving soul in the most unconventional ways.

Steve will be sadly missed by his loving Wife, Jeanine Bruce-Falkowski; Sisters, Christine Falkowski and Elizabeth Falkowski (Michael); Brother, Matt (Jen) Falkowski; Nephew: Matthew (Sophia) Falkowski; Nieces: Zoe (Eric) Hurdle & Ella (Coby) Falkowski; Daughter, Shannon (Ken) Nook; Stepdaughter, Melissa Bruce (Steve); Stepson, Paul (Jessica) Brzezinski; Grandkids: Jaydon (Breanna) Wargin, Jacob Nook, Makayla (Marckus) Plaza, Dominick (Andrea) Rutka, Maya Pletz, Maleah Rutka, Ivry, and Preston Brzezinski; Great-Grandkids: Charlotte Springs and Alex & Benji Plazas; Former spouse, Deborah Brzezinski & Brother-in-Law Dale (Jane) Brzezinski; as well as many more cherished family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward D. (2004) and Minnie R. Falkowski (2021); his Sister-in-Law, Jody Bruce (2020); and his foster brother, Gerry Graske.

The family wants to thank all the friends and neighbors that have helped throughout this challenging time. Also, a special thanks to Melissa Bruce for caring for Steve’s physical health, assisting him through the years and easing his transition into the afterlife; your dedication to his care is not forgotten and genuinely appreciated. 

Steve’s Life's a Beach Celebration will be held at Cedar Park Beach on Browns Lake in Burlington, WI, on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Please join us for a picnic lunch to begin at 12:30pm and the “Beach Bum Party” from 1:30pm - 3:00pm, for continued memories shared in a relaxed environment, rain or shine .  Don't forget your beach attire and chairs to aide in a casual time sharing stories in honor of Shannon's beloved "Papa Dad".

In lieu of any flowers, but certainly not necessary, feel free to forward any memorials to his daughter, Shannon Nook, his "Cupcake", and executor tasked with covering his unplanned cremation & Life’s a Beach Tribute Celebration.