Steven N. Sedlmayr
Steven N. Sedlmayr, age 71, of Nelson, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at 12:32 PM at St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Home in Wabasha, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Born on May 17, 1953, in Postville, Iowa, Steve was the son of Norman and Arlene (Lenth) Sedlmayr. He grew up in Farmersburg, Iowa, where he assisted with the family grocery store and locker plant while attending school and participating in various sports and activities. It was also during his youth in Farmersburg that Steve developed a deep love for driving, a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. Steve graduated from MFL-MarMac High School in Monona, Iowa, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. During his time at the university, he began refereeing wrestling matches and teaching driver’s education, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to road safety and instruction.
Steve’s career in education took him to Starkweather, North Dakota, where he served as a teacher and coach. It was there that he met Bobbi Jean Rollings, whom he married on April 29, 1979. The couple moved to Billings, Montana, where Steve worked as a Safety Engineer for the National Farmers Union, traveling extensively across Montana and Wyoming.
Returning to North Dakota, Steve held positions as Principal in Sheldon and Gwinner, and later as Superintendent in Leonard. During this period, he earned a master’s degree in special education from North Dakota State University in Fargo and continued teaching driver’s education. In 1989, Steve and Bobbi settled in Nelson, Wisconsin, where he became the Superintendent of Alma Area Schools, a role he cherished for 29 years. His commitment to education extended beyond administration, as he taught driver’s education for over three decades, coached softball, and announced football games for the “Boat Load” of Alma Rivermen and Pepin-Alma Eagles.
Steve’s love for driving was a defining aspect of his life. He attended numerous IndyCar races, with a particular fondness for the Indianapolis 500, which he first attended in 1972 and never missed thereafter. In recent years, he shared this tradition with his sons, son-in-law, and grandsons. Steve also enjoyed leisurely drives, pan fishing in his boat, hunting with his sons in earlier years, and visiting car shows.
Steve is survived by his wife, Bobbi; children, James (Vanessa) of Durand, Wisconsin; Jeff (Alex) of Nelson, Wisconsin; and Erin (Hickory) Daniels of Juda, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Wyatt, Aubrey, Tessa, Theo, Emerson, Finnley, and Mila; sister, Pam (Tom) McCune of Chipley, Florida; stepmother, Joan Sedlmayr of Bagley, Wisconsin; stepsiblings, Dan Sass of Streeter, Illinois, and Debra (Marlyn) Ohloff of Cresco, Iowa; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and step mother Marilyn Lammaker.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday March 13, 2025, at Lyster Church with Rev. Mike Vetsch officiating. Burial will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery in Farmersburg, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the funeral at the Alma Rod & Gun Club in Alma. Memorials may be made in Steve’s name for a scholarship/memorial to be established at the Alma Area Schools.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team at St. Croix Hospice and the staff at St. Elizabeth’s Care Center in Wabasha for their compassionate care and support during Steve’s final days. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to both Steve and his loved ones, and their efforts will always be deeply appreciated.
Steve’s legacy as an educator, mentor, coach, and driving enthusiast will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.