Steven E. Nitek

Steven Edward Nitek, 81, of Conrath, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 10, 2026.

He was born on December 9, 1944 in Ladysmith WI to Edward Nitek and Wanda Gauger. He attended the Dogville school in Conrath. Steve then served in the United States Army in 1965 for six years. He worked on the Nitek family dairy farm from childhood for about 45 years. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Linda Logan, and they resided on the family farm.

With the support of Linda, he then fulfilled his dreams by starting his own kennel and training pen in 2002. The training pen is Steve’s greatest legacy as he loved to share his passion for the outdoors with all that knew him. Through this endeavor, he had the best stories to share and made many life-long friendships along the way.

Our family has always joked that if it were up to Steve, he would not leave within a 30 mile radius of his home. However, he did enjoy many trips to Canada and out west hunting, as well as salmon fishing. He also enjoyed trap-shooting at the Swamp Road Sportsmen Club and playing in the local pool league.

Steve especially looked forward to deer hunting and redhorse fishing each year with his brother, Kix. He loved his grandchildren dearly and it made him proud to share his hobbies with them. Steve will be remembered for his quiet strength and kindness, work ethic, and the greatest lesson of all: the best things in life are the simple things.

Steve is survived by: his beloved wife, Linda Nitek; two sons, Phillip (Jen) Nitek and Doug Nitek (Stephanie Smith); brother, Edward "Kix" (Karolyn) Nitek; 5 grandchildren, Caitlyn (Jyle) Nitek, Brandon Nitek, Bradly (Zarina) Hladilek, Evan (Miranda) Nitek, and Nevaeh (Brekyn) Nitek; two nephews Chad Nitek and Jade Nitek.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Edward (Loretta) Nitek and Wanda Gauger; brother Joseph Nitek.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith. Visitation is from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Williams officiating. Military honors will follow the service and will be provided by the Rusk County Honor Guard.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.