Full versions of the select stories from our newspaper are available online to online subscribers. Click the Subscriptions tab for more information. 

Rep. Steineke honors firefighter Stephen M. Smith


Submitted photo — Late Vandenbroek-Kaukauna firefighter Stephen M. Smith was honored from the floor of the state Assembly when the body convened for business on Wednesday. State Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) is pictured with Steve’s wife, Mary Bloy Smith and two of their four daughters, Brianna (left) and Samantha.
State Representative Jim Steineke (R- Kaukauna) honored late Vandenbroek-Kaukauna firefighter Stephen M. Smith from the floor of the state Assembly when the body convened for business on Wednesday. Smith passed away in December 2021 after 28 years of service to the department.
“Stephen was exactly what you’d imagine a firefighter to be,” said Rep. Steineke. “He embodied selflessness and dedication, and he never stopped working to make his community a better place.”
Smith committed his life to service. Not only did he work with the area fire department, but he also served as an usher at his local church and volunteered for Walleyes for Tomorrow. When he was not helping others, Smith could be found enjoying the outdoors hunting or fishing. Family was also very important to him. Smith’s family said he will be remembered as “a family man with all the love in the world to give.”
“The Vandenbroek-Kaukauna community lost a true public servant,” Rep. Steineke concluded. “We all owe him a sincere debt of gratitude for his work.”
Smith had a joint resolution authored by Representative Steineke passed in his memory. Smith’s family joined the state Assembly down in Madison for the passage of the resolution.