After several days with his family at his side, Stephen (Steve) M. Danforth, 63, passed away early Monday morning, November 11, 2013, at the Anna John Care Center. He endured a long illness which began in 1990. Steve was born on December 19, 1949 to Erma (Hill) Danforth and the late William "Bill" Danforth, Sr.
Steve graduated from Seymour Community High School in 1967 where he was very active in sports. As a gifted athlete he participated in baseball, football, and basketball. He continued participating in these sports throughout his life. He played baseball in the Dairyland Baseball League for several years. He especially enjoyed his time traveling with the Green Bay Blue Ribbons where he was the designated hitter and left fielder.
Steve is survived by his two children, Stephen Danforth Sr. (Abby McMurphy) of Honolulu, HI, and Stacie (Dennis) Danforth-Cutbank of De Pere; his grandchildren, Stephen Danforth, Jr., Nathan, Leland, and Kendra Cutbank; his mother, Erma Danforth, sisters and brothers, Jackie Danforth, Tommy (Karen John) Danforth, Carmen Danforth, Erwin (Marsha) Danforth, Ingrid (Mike) King, Paul Danforth, Kerry "Buggs" (Candace) Danforth, Grace Delgado, and Melinda (Fran John) Danforth. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Steve was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mariah Danforth-Moore, father, William "Bill" Danforth, Sr., brothers, Billy, Jerry, and Wayne "Wayneo" Danforth, as well as his paternal grandparents Pete and Sabie Danforth and maternal grandparents Melinda and Kay Hill.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday November 14, 2013 (TODAY) at RYAN FUNERAL HOME , 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 6:30 pm with Parish Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 pm. Lunch will be served in the Marquette Room at Ryan's during the visitation , until closing at 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Ryan's on Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The funeral procession will leave for church at 10:10 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday at Holy Apostles Episcopal church, Freedom Road, Oneida, with Father John Cell, officiating, and Oneida Hymn Singers. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Danforth family.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Deborah Heckel, the staff at Anna John Residential Community Care Center, Professional Guardianship, and the doctors and nurses that took care of him on the Third Floor at St. Mary's Hospital.
