Stephen N. Foltz

Stephen Neal Foltz of Watertown, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly after a cardiac event on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at the age of 78.

Stephen was born in Logansport, Indiana on January 13th, 1948 to the late Robert and Ellamae (Albright) Foltz. He always described having a perfect childhood growing up on the family farm surrounded by so much of his family. 

After graduating in 1966 from Twin Lakes High School in Monticello, he proudly joined the Navy where he served on the USS Dixie. He returned home in 1971 and got a job at the local IGA grocery store in Delphi where he met Susan Jane Memering. Stephen and Susan were married on April 28, 1973, by Susan's father, Reverend Odin C. Memering. In October 1975, they welcomed a son, Gregory Stephen and in June 1979, a daughter, Emily Diane. They lived in the area until October 1979 when they relocated their family to Vernon Hills, Illinois so Stephen could return to his family roots as a poultry supervisor for Allied Mills Wayne Feeds. In 1988, Allied Mills transferred Stephen and his family to Watertown, Wisconsin where he remained working until the company closed in 2005. He left his love of agriculture to build custom wood furniture at the Custom Shoppe in Watertown until his retirement. Stephen lost the love of his life, Susan on January 24, 2008 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer, leaving him heartbroken. 

During their time together, Stephen and Susan enjoyed many things. They loved collecting Mr. Peanut memorabilia and Watertown collectables, family roads trips with their kids, family reunions, cheering on their beloved Chicago Bears, and spoiling their grandkids. Their favorite thing to do was joke around making for a house full of laughter for all who were lucky enough to spend time there. 

In his retirement years, Stephen loved making trips back to his hometown to visit his cousins making sure to eat plenty of catfish, smelt, and pork tenderloins. He stayed loyal to his Chicago teams even after moving to Wisconsin and could regularly be found cheering them on while heckling Wisconsin fans. As much as he loved the Bears and Cubs, his true favorite teams were the ones his grandson, Taylor played on throughout the years. 

He made friends everywhere he went including at The Chalet in Watertown which became like a second family to him after losing his wife. He loved going out to breakfast with anyone who asked but his favorite breakfast partner was his granddaughter, Ella. Stephen recently became interested in painting rocks for Watertown Rocks and found out he had quite a talent for it. If you ever received a rock painted by Stephen, you can know he considered you his friend. He liked hiding his rocks around town for others to find especially his favorite rock to paint, Mr. Pig from the local Piggly Wiggly. 

Stephen’s last years were spent living in a retirement community which he absolutely loved. His favorite past time living here was sitting on the patio, sharing stories with his neighbors, and feeding the neighborhood chipmunks and squirrels. You may have even seen him outside enjoying the sunshine if you drove past!

Stephen is survived by his children, son Gregory (Kimberly) Foltz and daughter Emily Foltz; sister Janice (Ron) Ragan; grandchildren Taylor and Ella Foltz, Alyssa (James) Webb, and Autumn Verfuerth; nephews Aaron (Emily) Ragan and Bill Hanna; niece Stacey (Mike) Hallman; brother-in-law Mike Hanna; and brother-in-law John Memering as well as great nephews, great nieces, and close cousins Richard Foltz, Paulette Foltz Seng, Anne Foltz Perrett, Deana Rothrock, Jim Fisher, and Tom Fisher.

Memorials in Stephen’s name can be made to the Badger Honor Flight in Madison, Wisconsin. He participated in an honor flight October 2025 which was one of the best experiences of his life. 

Visitation will be held at the Schmutzler-Vick funeral home on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. After completion of the burial, family and friends will gather at Lyons Irish Pub in Watertown to celebrate the life of Stephen.