Stephen James Roles

Steve was called home to heaven on December 15, 2023, at the age of 73, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on September 5, 1950, in Morris, Minnesota, to Joseph and Christine Roles, the youngest of 10 children. Growing up on a farm meant getting up early to do chores before going to school, which was a one-room country school. There has always been much laughter when Steve and his siblings get together and reminisce about the good ol’ days – stories that will continue to be shared for years to come.

After graduating from St. Cloud State University, Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1972 to 1974. In 1975 he started his career as a salesman with Moore Business Forms where he worked until 1995. He then started his own business forms company in 1996, where he worked until he retired in 2016.

In 1972 Steve met Karen Yankowiak, and they were married in 1976. The following year he accepted a promotion that took them to Milwaukee, WI, where they raised their three children. They all have many fond memories of their dad including coaching and cheering them on in sports, how he could fix anything, and teaching them important life lessons through his example of working hard and serving others.

Steve had a generous heart and fun-loving spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was committed to his family, a wonderful provider and protector. He loved to cook and would prepare weeks in advance for just the right menu for holidays and get togethers. He loved making the grandkids their favorite meals when they visited and will forever be remembered for his “Papa” pancakes.

Steve and his wife have been longtime members of Elmbrook Church where they have enjoyed learning and growing in their faith through couples’ Bible studies and doing service projects together. And most important, Steve recognized his need for forgiveness and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. In his testimony that was read at his Baptism in 2021, he said, “When I heard Stuart Briscoe preach years ago on the role of the Holy Spirit, I realized I needed the Holy Spirit to dwell in my life at all times, and only then did I understand what Christ had done for me by dying on the cross.” This is the faith that sustained him and kept him leaning on God for strength and guidance after his cancer diagnosis in 2021. Knowing that Steve is now spending eternity with his Lord and Savior is the best gift he could leave his family.

Steve is survived by his wife, Karen, of 47 years and his children and their families: Matthew and Sarah and their children, Theydon, Adley, Emmaus and Denman; Lindsay and Nate and their children, Sydney and Isla; Heather and Teddy and their son, Harrison. Siblings: Joe (Bernie), Marlene, Bob (Barb), Keith (Linda), Sandee (Ken); Sharon (sister-in-law), Sylvia (sister-in-law) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Steve will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI, on Friday, January 12, at 2:00. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 and a reception at the church will follow after the service. The service will be recorded and a Private link (https://livestream.com/accounts/27412157/events/10928729) will be available to those who cannot attend the service. Please note, it will not switch to a live feed until the time of the service.

Steve loved the natural beauty of wildflowers so we will be using fresh cut flowers for the service. In lieu of any other floral arrangements or plants, donations are appreciated to these charities that Steve regularly supported: Milwaukee Rescue Mission (milmission.org), Lake Waubesa Bible Camp (lwbc.com/donate), and Telling the Truth (tellingthetruth.org).