Steven W. Reab, 63, Appleton, passed away on April 11, 2025 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Appleton surrounded by his family after a short, but courageous battle with bile duct cancer.   He was born on February 22, 1962 in Waterloo, IA, the son of the late William and Emily Reab.

Although Steve was born in Iowa, his family moved to Appleton in 1967.  As a youth Steve and the Reab house was the hang out for all Steve's friends.  Most nights the gang could be found in the basement playing cards, ping-pong, or foosball.  In the summers Steve enjoyed returning to Iowa to spend time with his grandma and grandpa on the farm.  Playing cards with all the relatives and running errands with his grandpa.  Some of which might have involved stopped at the local tavern.  Steve attended and graduated from Appleton East high school in 1980.

After high school, Steve lived a somewhat wildlife until meeting and eventually marrying the love of his life, Peggy Franklin, in 1989. In Peggy, he not only found someone to share his life, but he also was blessed with two wonderful stepdaughters.

After marriage, Steve settled down and started working for Valley Roller Company where he built rolls for over 15 years.  During those years he enjoyed watching his daughters grow up, get married, and have children.  He loved nothing more than coming home after working and playing with those grandkids.  Steve and Peggy enjoyed camping and never missed the opening of trout season.  Steve lost Peggy in 2011, and at that point he turned to the rest of his family.  He never missed a family event and would worry about finding the perfect gift and card for every birthday.

Later in life he became politically active and became a steadfast Trump supporter. He was always dressed in a Trump shirt or wearing a Trump hat.  Steve took great joy in the times that someone would come up to him and tell him how much they liked his Trump attire.

He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events, especially bowling tournaments, browsing the isles at Walmart, watching the Packers, Fox News, vintage TV shows and volunteering to call bingo at the nursing home. He loved card and cribbage matches, and nightly calls with his daughters.  He will forever be remembered for his deviled eggs and political banter.

Steve is survived by his brother Andrew and Debby (McLaughlin) Reab, Appleton; Daughters Laura (Hunt) and Dave Drawenek, Kaukauna; Angela (Franklin) and Jerry Stueber, Kaukauna; Nephew Erick Reab and Erin (Vertin) Reab, Buchanan; and Neice Emme (Reab) and Manny Johnson, Little Chute.  Grandchildren: Jesse and Rachel Hunt, Kaukauna, Kassie and Kelsey Gilmore, Fond du Lac, Dustyn Drawenek, Kaukauna, Brady Krause, Kaukauna, and Matt and Jessica Drawenek, Combined Locks.  His great-grandchildren Aubrey Hunt, Boone Gilmore, Alexis and Macy Drawenek and Dean Adam. He will also be remembered by his Sister-in-laws Bonnie Wienandt and Sue Wienandt. Brother-in laws Rod (Julie) Wienandt, Randy (Dolorse) Wienandt, Jay Jahnke and Charlie Van Ooyen. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Emily Reab.

Steve was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet.  Everyone that knew him really knew him.  He was always the same no matter where he was or who he was with.  He loved Sammy, his cat, and signed every note from Steve and Sammy. We're all going to miss the big presence he was.  Everyone knew when he was in the room.   Lastly, Steve taught us to live every day as if it was your last, because you don't know what tomorrow brings or how many days you have left. We'll love and miss you always!

The family would like to express a special thank you to Kristine Zahrobsky with ThedaCare Hospice for her compassionate care and unwavering support. .

A memorial service for Steve will be held at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton on Saturday May 3rd with visitation starting at 1pm followed by the funeral at 2pm.