Lt. Col. Stephen J. Nolan
September 18, 1957 ~ December 27, 2023
Born in:
Norwood, MA
Resided in:
Kewaunee, WI
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen J. Nolan, 66, of Kewaunee, WI, loving husband of 43 years to Kathryn (Weiss) Nolan, passed away peacefully in Newtown, CT with his family by his side on December 27, 2023. He was born in Norwood, MA on September 18, 1957, a son of the late Paul and Margaret (Falconer) Nolan. Besides his wife Kathryn, Stephen leaves his children Andrea Hoover and her husband Chad, Michael Nolan, John Nolan and his wife Erica, his sister Anne Marie Finneran and her husband Chris, grandchildren Nolan and Brett Hoover and Raymond Nolan, and several nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Norwood High School Class of 1975, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and his master’s degree at Webster University. Stephen served 23 years in the United States Army. Beginning his service with the 82nd Airborne, he deployed to Grenada in 1983. He went on to command a battery with the 1st Battalion 76th Field Artillery Regiment in Schweinfurt, Germany and an MLRS battery with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment in Bamburg, Germany. Serving with the Marine Corps out of MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, he deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993. He subsequently went on to deploy with the 21st TAACOM out of Kaiserslautern, Germany to Croatia in 1998. Stephen retired out of the 5th U.S. Army at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas in 2002, receiving the Legion of Merit.
Following his retirement from active duty, he worked for the Department of Defense as a Congressional Liaison at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon his retirement in 2021, he received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. In his free time, Stephen enjoyed traveling with his wife Kathryn, where they fished around the world, spending time with his grandsons, and hunting with his beloved dogs Penny and Nina.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. DIRECTLY at St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main St., Trumbull, CT. Interment with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, N2666 County Rd. QQ, King, WI 54946. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Stephen’s favorite charities, Smile Train, Inc. (www.smiletrain.org) and Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org).
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: January 2, 2024 11:00 am
Graveside Service: January 9, 2024 12:00 pm
Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
N2666 County Rd. QQ
King, WI 54946
I have fond memories of Steve always offering to make me a coffee whenever I would stop by to visit with Kathy.
. Steve always went above and beyond to make every event fun and enjoyable for everyone. He will be deeply missed.
I remember Steve’s work in San Antonio on the All American Bowl, his dedication, service and family are his remarkable legacy
We are writing to you with heavy hearts to express our deepest condolences for the loss of Steve. There are simply no words that can adequately convey the sorrow and pain we feel for you during this difficult time.
Please know that we are here for you, now and always. We understand that no amount of words or gestures can ease the immense sadness you must be experiencing, but we want you to know that you are not alone. We stand by your side, offering our support and comfort in any way that we can.
Steve was a remarkable person, and his absence leaves an unfathomable void in our lives. His kindheartedness, strength, and unwavering spirit were always a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on our lives, as well as the lives of so many others, will never be forgotten.
In our hearts, we hold the belief that if there is a place of solace and peace in heaven, Steve will undoubtedly occupy the most honorable place. May he find eternal peace, surrounded by the love and serenity that he brought to those around him.
During this trying time, if there is anything – no matter how big or small – that we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to let us know. Whether it is someone to talk to, or any practical assistance you may need, we are here with open hearts and willing hands.
We want you to know that you are deeply loved and cherished, Kathryn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this immensely challenging time. If there is anything we can do to ease your burden in any way, please reach out to us. May fond memories of Steve provide you with strength and comfort in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Family Cosic, Belgrade, Serbia
Our hearts are broken upon hearing the sad news of Steve’s passing. As a cherished friend, and family member, a Great American, patriot and big friend of Serbian people, his impact will be deeply missed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Family Ašćerić, Belgrade, Serbia.
I have known Steve since he was an infant. He was always a positive fun loving young man, and he was devoted to those of us who were his cousins. He loved his country, and he loved his wife and family. As the years went along, he gave back to all of us with his great sense of humor and his dedication to others. I know he will be missed…
Heaven has received an amazing servant!
Kathy and family, we are heartbroken along with you. Steve was one of the lights in the world. His smile always made everyone feel better just seeing it. May he rest in peace. We will pray for God’s strength and love as you mourn. Hugs from Kansas! Love you, Joe and Marilyn Daniels
Our hearts are broken with the news of your beloved Steve’s passing, Kathy. He was not only a loving husband, father and grandfather, but a truly great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are ever present and with you and your family. May all your cherished memories with Steve bring you comfort going forward. Please don’t hesitate to ask if we can help you and your sweet family in any way.
Roo, Bob and David Hartel
It is with heavy hearts that we attempt to process the loss of a dear friend. Gerry and I are so very grateful that we were able to reconnect with you and Steve after almost 40 years. Beginning with the special time @ Fort Bragg to Fort Sill & on to Schweinfurt, we shared a rare & special friendship that we have valued greatly over these many years. You were surrogate Godparents for Matt in Germany & God Bless Steve as he helped Gerry break 2 month old Matt out of that Kinder Clinic so we could get him to Boston Children’s Hospital where he underwent
life saving open heart surgery. Steve was not only a devoted friend, but a selfless, kind and dedicated man who set the bar high for us all. Steve had a way of effortlessly embracing the people he cared for and loved. Steve was truly genuine. We are proud to have had a fine man like Steve serve our country. We value & cherish our fond memories with a man we are so lucky to have known. God broke the mold when he created Steve.
Our love and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your entire family as you celebrate Steve’s amazing life & his many accomplishments.
Bren & Gerry
Dear Kathy and family,
I have such fond memories of Steve and you at university and the fun times we had there. Then Steve and I got commissioned together and we went on life’s adventures to meet up 40 years later. And then we became a foursome with my wife Denise, and we established a close bond, looking forward to new adventures together. Sadly Steve passed on and Denise and I miss him dearly. We look to the future with you, Kathy, your such a dear friend. Having met John and Erika, Andrea and Chad and the grandsons, we know you have a solid family to support you. We are praying for you and all your family during this difficult time, and look to our time together with you as the next chapter begins, and we’ll always be there for you and family.
Love,
Russ and Denise Anderson
Eva and Aunt Irene
Dear Kathy and Family,
Jon Ann and I were deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. So many fond memories from college days. Steve and I were roommates for a semester, going through Airborne school together, ROTC Advanced Camp and all the other training we did together, as well as the fun times. We were so happy you and Steve decided to come back to Wisconsin to retire and were excited to rekindle the relationship after all the time that had passed since college. We were also excited for you both as you showed us your lot upon which you built your new house – what a beautiful view. We look forward to continuing the relationship with you and the Anderson’s as we go forward. And Steve will always be there with us, in our hearts. A beautiful life… celebrated, remembered, honored now and always.
With sincere sympathy,
Bob & Jon Ann Kasson
He was taken far too early and will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Always smiling from grade 1 thru HS. Anne Marie. I so sorry for you and his loving family. Too young to leave you all!