Steven E. Wieger

Less than a year after his beloved wife Julie passed away, Steven E. Wieger, 69, died at 5:45 am at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka of cardiac arrest.

A lifelong resident of South Bend, Steve was born on November 27, 1947 in South Bend to Stephen and Marianne (Nagy) Wieger , who preceded him in death.

Steve was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother and uncle.  On April 2, 1966, Steven and Julianna (Jakab) were married and on April 2, 2016 celebrated 50 years of marriage before Julie died on May 6 ,2016.

He joined the South Bend Fire Department in 1973 and proudly served for 35 years. During that time, he received the honor of being the only firefighter invited to attend the FBI academy for additional training.  He served as an arson investigator during part of his 35 years in the department. Steve was also a founder of the South Bend Firefighters Annual Blues Fest, helping to raise money for Survive Alive.  In addition, Steve proudly served as IAFF Union President Local #362 for many years.  He was a lifetime member of the DFV German club, enjoyed bowling, and was known as an excellent cook and ‘foodie’.

One of the most memorable qualities Steve had was that he knew no strangers. To his last day on this earth, he could ask someone their name and where they were from and it was very likely he knew someone in their family, a neighbor, or one of their friends.  He would then proceed to tell stories from  ‘the old neighborhood’.

He loved and was so proud of his family and friends.  His very last words to all around were “I have the best family in the world.  I love you all”

Steve is survived by his daughter, Dr. Julie Ann (Stephannie) Wieger of South Bend;  two sisters, Dorothy (Raymond) Trippel of Mishawaka;  Karol (Claude) Williams of South Bend; and step mother-in-law; Ramona (Louis) Jakab of Elkhart, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.  Steve will be sorely missed by many.

Memorial services will be held at 3:30 pm on Thursday February 23, 2017 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend.  Rev. David Porterfield, C.S.C.  will officiate.  Friends and family may visit from 1:00-3:30 pm Thursday at the funeral home.  Dinner in honor of Steve will follow at American Legion Post #284. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Steven E. Wieger may be donated to Hoosier Burn Camp, Inc., P.O. Box 233, Battle Ground, IN  47920.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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