Stephen J. Spalding

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen J. Spalding, age 72, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He was a man whose life was defined by love, loyalty, and the beauty he found in the journey itself.

Stephen was born in Appleton on August 18,1953 to the late John and Patricia (Killoren) Spalding, oldest of nine siblings. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Menasha in 1972 and went on to build a life rooted in hard work and simple joys. He spent many years as a dedicated truck driver, a career that perfectly suited his love of the open road. After his wife, Liz retired, the two shared in that life together, traveling side by side, turning long miles into cherished memories.

To know Stephen was to know his deep and lifelong love for trains, especially steam trains. He didn’t just admire them; he felt them. Whether he was watching them roll by, reading about their history, or driving miles just to catch a glimpse, trains represented something deeper to him; the journey, the movement, the quiet appreciation of where life takes you. In many ways, he lived his life the same way: steady, curious, and always grateful for the ride.

In his younger years, Stephen enjoyed deer hunting, a tradition rooted in family and time spent together, along with days at the game farm that brought laughter and connection. Those moments reflected what mattered most to him, family.

At the center of his world was his beloved wife, Liz. Married for 38 years and together for 46, their bond was one of deep devotion, partnership, and enduring love. He adored her wholeheartedly. He also embraced her children as his own, loving them with a full and generous heart.

Stephen will be remembered as a man with a big heart, a steady presence, and a quiet way of showing love that never went unnoticed. He valued the people in his life above all else and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and unwavering love.

Like the trains he admired so much, Stephen kept moving forward, appreciating every mile along the way. Though his journey here has come to an end, the love he shared and the memories he created will continue on, carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Stephen will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He is survived by his wife, Liz Spalding; step-children: Sue (Dan) Ulman, Wayne (Marilyn) Bodway, Lisa (Bob) Strelka, Bonnie (Jeff Roberts) Pierce, Brenda Boerst; step-grandchildren: Trent Von Sagun, Brooke Von Sagun, Carissa Bodway, Melinda Bodway, Bryan (Alissa) Strelka, Justin (Dani Dominguez) Strelka, Darrin Pierce, Austin Marcks, Brandon (Mariah) Marcks, Matthew (Claudia Erickson) Boerst, Michael (Kendra) Boerst; several great grandchildren; siblings: Mary Johnson, William Spalding, Susan Miller, Michael (Mary) Spalding, Timothy Spalding, Thomas Spalding, Terry Spalding; and sister-in-law, Martha Spalding. He was further preceded in death by his parents, John & Patricia Spalding; brother, Daniel Spalding; brother-in-law, Adam Miller; and step-grandchildren: Brianna Marcks and Victoria Boerst. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond Street, Appleton. Visitation will take place on Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.