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Stephen R Slabey

Stephen R Slabey

 Stephen R. Slabey, age 69 of Lake Hallie, died peacefully in his home on September 29, 2023. 

Steve was born on November 27, 1953 in Mason City, IA. He was the son of Richard and Elvera (Fautsch) Slabey. Steve grew up in Durand and graduated from Durand High School. After high school, Steve attended UW-Eau Claire where he attained a bachelor's degree in journalism. Steve held several sales positions from automotive sales to beer distributor. Steve enjoyed his professional career, but his true passions came into play when he retired at a young age. He put his skills to use as a home renovator and motorcycle builder, among other things. He was the epitome of a “jack of all trades.” Steve loved to seize every opportunity and made great friends in the process. He was the proud father of Tyler F. Slabey.  

Steve enjoyed EVERYTHING life had to offer. Some of his biggest passions were working on and riding motorcycles, flipping and renovating houses, capitalizing on auction finds, fixing anything with an engine, building RC airplanes, canoeing, golfing, visiting with friends and neighbors, and most of all spending a tremendous amount of time with his son Tyler. He had the gift of gab and loved to share his wisdom and experiences, as those who knew him will attest, once Steve started talking there was no stopping him, even if the story was known so well that it could be finished by everyone in the room, but to those patient enough to listen again (or more likely, having no exit from the conversation) there were always more lessons to be learned and laughs to be had. Many will miss having an encyclopedia, on any topic you can imagine, on speed dial.  

Steve is survived by his son Tyler Slabey of Eau Claire, siblings Paul (Jan) Slabey of Menomonie, Kristin (Christopher) Fish of Mequon, Jonette Slabey of Las Vegas NV, nieces Genna Fish, Matt and Rachel Slabey and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Alexander Fish. 

Prayer Services will be held at 3:30 PM Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand WI. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. 

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family. 

Condolences

  1. Darlene Cliff

    Sending my sympathies to Steve's family. I well remember Steve from our Junior High and High School days. Steve seemed to know everyone around school. The one thing I remember most was his smile; he always appeared to be happy and full of life.

  2. Rick Plumer

    Prayers to your family. Thanks for sharing your love of music with your brother who in turn shared it with his friends. Your family's love of music had a huge influence on me.

  3. Pamela Lovelien

    Paul, Tyler and family,
    My sincere sympathy at this very sad time. Praying for comfort and peace for all.
    I have fond memories of Steve over the years. I remember him as always smiling and he made me laugh with his perpetual spunky attitude.
    May the Lord hold you all close.
    Pamela

  4. Jim Perko

    I met Steve when I was roommates with his brother, Paul on Broadway Street in Eau Claire in the late 70s when Paul and I were at CVTC. Steve was a great guy. My condolences to the family.

  5. Judy(Buchholtz) and John Parr

    Our prayers are with you all

  6. Doug Lassek

    Like no other.....
    Excerpt from Merinmagic website:
    "Special Acknowledgement….

    Several pages of this site are dedicated to building the “MerlinBike”. Thanks to master builder, friend and riding partner, Steve Slabey, the magic of “Merlin” was rekindled in the year 2005. After countless hours of listening and planning, Steve, much like “Merlin”, took the Fervent Dream from the depths of my mind and soul, imparted his endless talents and secrets of design and created the “MerlinBike”, which by all accounts when viewed and ridden can only be described as “Pure Magic”.

    Thank you Steve...... Thank you Friend."

    I will miss you, but look forward to when we meet again!

  7. David Boisvert

    So sorry to hear. We worked together in the beverage, beer business where we shared a few laughs and a few cold ones on occasion.
    Motorcycles were a passion, the loader the better, and "oh my" those custom paint jobs! :)
    Thanks for the talks, laughs, and for being a friend.

  8. Janice Leslie

    Dear Jan,
    I am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Sending hugs and lot's of love. Let Paul know how sorry I am.
    Love Always,
    Jan Ciezki Leslie

  9. Audrey Kallstrom Bussow

    My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Stephen. Always enjoyed our conversations in the hallways of DHS.
    Another classmate gone too soon.

  10. Patricia A Ross (Knutson)

    My sympathies to all who are grieving the loss of Steve.

  11. Jim Dierich

    I am so sorry for your loss. Steve worked on a couple of my Harleys and we had quite a few conversations. He painted my Sportster and after I had it pin stripped by another guy I had to swing by and show him. He will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts

  12. Clara Kobs(Snider)

    I worked for Mr. Slabey at the Ben Franklin for several years..Many memories of the family..so sorry to read this post..my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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