His communities weep today.

The world is quieter, one voice less with boisterous laughter.

The tens of thousands of students he's impacted ripple throughout the world. Steve Hurula goes by many names: teacher, brother, coach—for football, softball, basketball, and baseball; mentor, leader, cantor, trusted adult, umpire, son, father, but none as important as the title child of God. A god-honoring man respected by his religious communities and close friends. And a devout Catholic through the 56 years he spent on earth.

He was a father and many other titles to his two children (Vincent and Miriam). Taking time out of his weekends and nights away from home to coach any sports that needed it—often learning how to do it along the way in peewees. Even after both kids were done with youth sports, he came back. A passion for teaching not only in the classroom but out on the field. He wanted to give youth the opportunity to find the meaning and joy found in its camaraderie—as a coach and as an umpire.

But what he loved most right after his own children were the students and young adults, he was privileged enough to teach for almost 30 years. Through his time teaching, he taught so many students and would always recognize them in public. His kids always saying he knows everyone. And, his students, with his encyclopedic knowledge, said that he knew everything. He would always try to stay up to date on his student's references and would ask his children about their favorite TV shows: like, Hannah Montana and Codename Kids Next Door. And, if you would ask, he could talk about his favorite children's show, We Bare Bears, forever.

Steve Hurula never complained or asked for help—and often declined it when asked. The most difficult part of his life was the end, when he finally needed to ask for help—and help was waiting in every corner of his life. He needed to become vulnerable—while keeping to his Hurula stubborn self. His life drastically changing right before watching his last football games and MLB games. These games filled with tears cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers who he'd been fans of since he was a child in Hartford, WI. He'd always asked to be alone in these times so he could experience his emotions in the midst of prayer.

Steve Hurula's tenor voice sang along in church hymns—in choir and in the seats. And his falsetto voice couldn't help but sing along to his favorite songs by U2, Men at Work, Phil Collins, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, INXS, and anything New Wave. His laughter mixed with his singing voice always trying to grab someone to sing a duet with him.

Steve Hurula is survived by both his kids, Vincent (Susan) and Miriam. He is also survived by all his siblings Barbara Hurula of Hartford, Judy Hurula of Santa Fe, Mike Hurula of Rio Rancho, and Janet Hurula of Albuquerque, his 7 nieces and nephews, and countless cousins across the United States.

Steve and his family will be having a wake service from 5-8pm on Tuesday February 28, with a prayer service following, at Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel in Appleton. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 4:30pm, at St. Pius X Catholic Church(500 W Marquette St) in Appleton. Visitation at church will begin at 3 pm until the time of Mass. He will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Appleton.

The family is not only asking for flower donations but will still accept them. For any flower donations, please send to Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel at 606 N Oneida Street Appleton, WI 54911. If you feel compelled or wish to not send flowers, the family would love to read about Steve in all facets of his life. Any attendees to the wake or funeral may bring their stories and give to any one of the family members. For monetary donations, we can donate to the Xavier Fund at https://www.xaviercatholicschools.org/giving/xavier-fund , or bring any amount to the wake.