William “Bill” E. Steinhafel, better known as “Papa,” age 82, a lifelong resident of Tomahawk, Wis., passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 4, 2021, under hospice care surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on Dec. 11, 1938, in Tomahawk to the late Woodrow and Genevieve (Guden) Steinhafel. He was married to Elaine Callahan on Aug. 6, 1966, and was blessed with 54 years of marriage. Together they owned the Village Square Restaurant in Tomahawk for 24 years.
Bill was very proud to serve his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He worked at the Paper Mill in Tomahawk for 43 years, retiring as a millwright in 2002. After retirement, Bill enjoyed tending to his tree farm, cutting grass, riding his four-wheeler, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Surviving Bill are his wife, Elaine; children, JoEllen (Phil) Lieck, Rhinelander, Wis.; Arthur (Kathryn) Steinhafel, Raleigh, N.C.; Peter (Rose) Steinhafel, Nekoosa, Wis.; Billie (Josh) Skubal, Rhinelander; and Bobbi (Grant) Voermans, Tomahawk. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren: Bailey (Bret), Lindsey, Ryan, Alexis, Austin (Maddie), Haley, Destinee, Laynee, Peter, Kayla, Kali, Kelsie, Khloe, Korbin, Samantha, and Alicia; and one sister, Kathleen “Kay” LaMere, Tomahawk.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow “Woody” and Genevieve, and his sister, Judy.
A private family memorial service will be held at this time. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. A public celebration of Bill’s life is planned for June 26, 2021, at W6796 Branch Road, Tomahawk.