Stephen Joseph Rindo

Steve “Bear” Rindo passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2023 - three days after his 61st birthday.

Steve was a generous and gregarious person, known for his quick wit, practical jokes, sense of humor, and adventurous nature. He traveled to more than 20 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and East Africa. He also lived abroad in the United Kingdom, near London for three years. Steve was happiest when near or on the water; including sailing, boating, scuba diving, taking long walks along the beach, and marveling at the beauty of sunsets.

Steve was an avid Jimmy Buffett fan and a true “Parrothead.” He saw Jimmy Buffet in concert more than a dozen times and was also well-known among his friends and family members for hosting an annual, epic, Jimmy Buffett themed party.

During his younger years, Steve was an active athlete who played slow-pitch softball and sand volleyball. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder. He adored his pets, especially his three Labrador retriever-mix dogs who served as his constant companions on “walkabouts”, whether on footpaths in the UK, in the woods of Northern Wisconsin, or simply around the neighborhood.

For more than three decades, Steve joined his father, uncle, brothers, cousins, and friends for Wisconsin’s annual deer hunting season, and always reminded those around him that he never missed a deer season.

He was a reader of books by John MacDonald, Stephen King, and Pat McManus. He loved to watch movies and would often quote lines from his favorites. He enjoyed playing poker during long weekend get-togethers with his brothers and friends, as well as blackjack at casinos in Northern Wisconsin and Las Vegas.

Stephen Joseph Rindo was born Sunday, April 8, 1962, in Superior, Wisconsin, to John and Marilyn Rindo (Koenig). He spent most of his youth in New Berlin and Muskego, near Milwaukee. He graduated from Muskego High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Steve worked for the State Bar of Wisconsin in Madison as a legal seminar coordinator and later owned his own legal continuing education business. He completed his career as part owner of SGTS Services, a security systems business in Verona, Wisconsin.

Steve was in a loving relationship with Mary Rindo for more than 25 years.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by Mary Rindo (Bowman), Menomonee Falls; brothers: John (Bonnie), Eugene, Oregon, Michael (Pam), Eau Claire, DJ (Debbie) Woodbury, Minnesota; sister, Therese (Angela), Mountlake Terrace, Washington; nieces, Abigail and Rachel; Goddaughter/niece, Lindsey; nephew, Bryan; and uncle, Robert Rindo.

We bid farewell and send our “Bear” onto his next journey with these lyrics from Jimmy Buffett’s “One Particular Harbour.”

"Most mysterious calling harbour

So far but yet so near

I can see the day when my hair’s full gray

And I finally disappear"

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Steve’s name to L.E.A.R.N. (Labrador Education and Rescue Network) https://www.labadoption.org/.