Barbola Funeral Chapel

Steven G. Rodencal

Steven Gene Rodencal, age 67, of Green Lake, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2020, at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, WI.

He was born May 27, 1953, in Berlin, WI, the son of Eugene and Sylvia Erickson Rodencal. He was raised on the family dairy farm near Pine River, WI. Steve attended Cedar Valley School, a one room school house, where he always joked he was third in his class, however, most did not realize that there were only three in his grade level. He then attended the new Poy Sippi Elementary School and eventually Berlin High School. At the age of 17, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and proudly served his country for four years. Serving on the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War, the Naval Ship was part of a historic combat mission during the years that Steve served. The USS Constellation and it’s air wing team, CVW-9, received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding efforts in 1972. On July 4, 1988, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Seno in Maui, Hawaii.

After returning home from Vietnam, Steve worked various jobs, eventually learning of trade of dynamiting, which led to him owning and operating his own business, American Drilling and Blasting, Inc. in Green Lake, WI, for over 20 years. Steve had a natural aptitude for math, which led him to be able to figure out complicated patterns for blasting. Steve earned his Class 7 Blaster license, which is the highest class achievable in his profession with only three other people in Wisconsin holding a Class 7; a very prestige honor of his career.

In 1997, Steve’s lifelong dream was fulfilled when they purchased 38 acres on the Pine River, in Wild Rose, WI. In the 16 years that Steve and Mary Lou lived in Wild Rose, Steve enjoyed his passion of trout fishing, trying to catch “the big one” that always seemed to outsmart his worm. They also made lifelong friendships. After Steve’s health started to decline, Steve and Mary Lou moved back to Green Lake, where old friends as well as new welcomed them home.

It was Steve’s gift in life to make the people around him feel good. He could always lighten the mood of any situation with his witty jokes and shining personality. His laugh was contagious, and he brightened any room he walked into with his smile. Steve was a deeply caring, loving, family man that aspired to be a good husband, father and grandfather, as well as son, brother and friend. He was a man of character that treated everyone he met with respect and dignity. He was a genuine soul, that was kind and giving, and he always put his family first. It should be also noted, that Steve never met a bartender that he didn’t like. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Lou; stepson, David (Julie) Seno; stepdaughter, Bridgett (Jeff) Foster; grandsons, Daniel and Lucas Seno and Jackson and Dylan Foster; his mother, Sylvia Wells; one sister, Jane (Tim) Friemark; three brothers, Gary (Kari), Jeff (Mary) and Doug Rodencal; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Louis (Maria) and Bill (Christine) Seno; two sisters-in-law, Kate Rodencal and Mary Seno; and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Eugene; stepfather, Doc (Fred) Wells; and two brothers-in-law, Steven and Dennis Seno. Steve is now reunited with his beloved dogs, Jess, Louie, Eddie and Gunner.

Graveside service and inurnment with military honors will be in Dartford Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. At Steve’s direction, a “Last Blast Party” and Celebration of life will be held this Spring in Green Lake. Memorials may be directed to Green Lake Conservancy. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail card to Barbola Funeral Chapel, c/o Steven Rodencal, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.