Racine- Paul Stephen “Steve” Case, age 68, passed away unexpectedly as the result of a sailing accident after finishing a race as a crewman aboard the vessel "Cuchulain", in the annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race off the Virginia coast on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Steve was born on December 17, 1943 in Scottsbluff, NE to the late Rev. Elmer and Dorothy (nee: Holm) Case. A 1962 graduate of Douglas McArthur High School in Decatur, IL, He went on to graduate from Anderson University in Anderson, IN. While earning his degree in foreign language and education, he also fulfilled his dream of playing college football. On one of his first days at Anderson, Steve met Nancy Marie Menchinger, who became the love of his life and 'first mate' for fifty years. They were married on June 12, 1965 in St. Joseph, MI. After college they joined the Peace Corps to teach English in Tunisia, North Africa. After returning to the United States in 1968, Steve began teaching French and German with Racine Unified School District at Park High School, then a few years at Mitchell and Starbuck Jr. High, returning to Park High where he retired in 1999. During his teaching tenure he established a camping/fishing club, an annual biking trail trip to New Glarus and organized/led numerous European student trips, wanting his students to experience adventure, travel to new destinations and observe other cultures. Steve was also a dedicated football/wrestling coach at Park and his most satisfying years were under the Phil Dobbs and Andy Fenderson eras. In 1995 he took the head wrestling coach at Horlick and took the team to State the next year. He encouraged excellence…not only in athletics but in academics. He coached numerous athletes to success on and off the wrestling mat and football field, treating each athlete fairly with dignity and respect. Steve was also instrumental in founding the Washington Park Kids Wrestling Club for the young athletes in our community–an organization that still exists today. He was a hard worker with a "can do" attitude. His energy for coaching was untiring; he was a great motivator, mentor and character model for those lucky enough to have him as coach.
With a profound trust in God, Steve was a faithful member of First Church of God, Racine–built by his father, Rev. Elmer Case, in 1956. Steve was an active leader at his church, always willing to give his time and energy. His interests included all types of music, fly fishing, camping, reading, and traveling, together with his wife visiting 49 states and over 25 foreign countries. Along the way, Steve fell in love with the sport of sailing. He was a member of the Racine Yacht Club, and the U.S. Sail & Power Squadron. Happiest when sailing with Nancy on their sailboat, "Sheer Heaven”, he had many sailing adventures far from home and provided many stories to share upon his return. His favorite trip was a 10 week sail to Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel in 2005. His love for sailing, competition and sport inspired him to crew on many races, particularly the Hook Race and Queen's Cup on Lake Michigan. Always with a yearn to learn, he had an extensive collection of books on photography, sailing, wrestling and travel, and took classes and seminars to improve his skill. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa, and great friend to many people. He was proud of his sons and never missed their concerts or wrestling matches. He treasured being with their grandchildren, and spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy; their beloved sons, Matt Case of Nashville, TN and Jason (Nicola) Case of Grayslake, IL; adored grandchildren, Marissa, Brayden and Brynley; sister, Julianne (Joseph) Fletcher; brother, David Case; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Grams and Shirley Zick; nieces and nephews, Christian (Stephanie) Fletcher, Simone (Jan) Von Burgwald, Donna (Richard) Sharp, Kathy (Jim) Cena, Joel (Judy) Grams, Cheryl (David) Zuhl, Debra (Gary) Shafer and Garry (Patricia) Zick; great nieces and nephews and other dear relatives and special friends too numerous to mention by name. Additionally, he is survived by cherished friends, Ted, Wendy, Terry and Maggie Cain.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by Nancy’s parents, Lydia and August Menchinger; and brothers-in-law, Joel Grams and Harry Zick.
A Celebration of Steve's life will be held at First Church of God, 1650 Lathrop Avenue, on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 11:00 am with Rev. Ryan Reed officiating. A reception will follow to continue the celebration. Visitation will be at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 3-7 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to the First Church of God or to the Steve Case Memorial Scholarship Fund have been suggested.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the captain and crew of "Cuchulain" for their heroic and concerted efforts to save Steve's life.
Kelly O'Neil Shearer says
Dear Case Family, My sincerely sympathy to you and yours. Mr. Case was my homeroom and math teacher back in the early 70s. He was and still remains one of the memorable / life-changing teachers in my life. His dedication to his students was evident daily in his classroom. I am grateful for the kindness and support shown during my years at Mitchell Jr. God bless you and keep you as your morn the loss of your husband/father. Kelly O’Neil Shearer
JB & Barbara Bachman says
We are sadden and dismayed w/the passing of our college friend and long time friend. We had just reconnected w/he and Nancy this yr. and will miss him so much. May the arms of all those who love Nancy, Matt and Jason surround them in God’s love.
Sarah Petersen says
Thoughts and prayers to Nancy, Matt, Jason and grandchildren. Thanks to Steve for being a wonderful teacher and friend! We will never forget how wonderful he was!!! Xoxo…
Vicki and Ron Blome says
It was a shock to hear about Steve. We will miss his smile, and how much he cared about all the Holm family.
You are in our prayers. Love to you Nancy, Jason, and Matt and your families.
David Leedy says
Nancy, Matt & Jason – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of times.
Pete Leslie says
So sorry for your lose. Really respected your Dad and the impact he had on so many kids.
Darin Andersen says
Mrs. Case, Matt & Jason,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darin & Kim Andersen
Milwaukee, WI
Jim and Sandi Holm says
Nancy, Matt and Jason,
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve was a special person and will be missed by many. You are in our prayers and thoughts during this very difficult time.
Pam Fowler says
Nancy, My love and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. God Bless.
Lisa Morgan says
Not sure if you would remember me, I attended church with your family as a child. Then Mr. Case was a teacher of mine. So sorry to hear of your lose. Hope you find peace know many people thought highly of Mr. Case!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family,
Lisa Morgan
Bernie Skalecki says
Nancy Matt & Jason
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Steve was a great coach to Adam & Jason as well as a great roll model and family friend for a long time. My thought & prayers to your family. Steve will be greatly missed. God Bless to your family. Bernie Skalecki.
Patrick & Marcia Daniels says
Our prayers are with Nancy, Matt and Jason and families. May the Good Lord keep you during this time of sorrow!
Emmanuel McKinstry says
Thank you for your out pouring of kindness. You were one of the best coaches that inspired me early in life. May God continue to bless your family and your soul. Rest on Coach Case.
Nan Nawrocki says
On behalf of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race I would like to express our sorrow for your loss.
Nancy, our schooner community cannot even begin to express our sadness. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you, your family and friends.
Linda Lassa says
I am so sorry to here of Steve passing. He will truly be missed at all of the Cain’s & the Bossows gatherings. Love Linda
Shari Hartman says
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss.
The Hartman Family
Beth Hartman Wilson says
Nancy and Family
I am so very sorry to hear about Steve’s accident. My prayers are with you all. I am sure Mom and Dad are meeting him and welcoming him into God’s amazing grace and love.
Beth Hartman Wilson
Ted R. Chacon says
Sue and Spencer Spaulding says
Our hearts and prayers reach out to Nancy, Matt, Jason, and all of Steve’s family and friends. May God’s presence surround you, and may the many wonderful memories offer comfort.
Janet Hull Nealeigh says
Nancy
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s tragic accident. We pray for God’s peace to comfort you in the days ahead. Love and blessings to you and your family. Jan and Bob
Ted Chacon says
My condolences to the family. Coach Case was a class act. I’ve known him since my son Ty was a wrestler for Park High School. He also coached my grandson Tyler through the Parks Kids Club. He was an excellent mentor and coach and will be missed. God bless.
Pastor Dave & Helen Andrews says
To Nancy, Matt & Jason:
We will not be able to attend the memorial service, but our hearts are with you. This has been such a shock. Steve was an amazing man. He was a mentor of young people. A man one could have a disagreement with, & he would still be a friend. He was a man who loved the Lord. May God give you extra strength during this time.
Love,
Pastor Dave & Helen
Paula Peasley Ninestein says
Mr. Case was one of my most influential teachers at Park. It was his field trip to see the national tour of Les Mis in the 1990’s that set me on the path that led me to the career I have today in professional theatre. My condolences to his family on their loss.
Steve & Marcia Pfeifer says
Nancy, Matt & Jason,
We are so very saddened by Steve’s passing. We just experienced a shocking and unexpected loss in our family, and we know what you are feeling. Our prayers are with you. May God give you his strength now and always.
Charles & Phyllis Nielsen says
Dear Nancy, we are so sorry and will pray for you and the children. We have fond memories of you and others when we were youth pastors at St. Joe from 1958 to 1960.
Justin Bauer says
Coach – I am just 1 of the many kids that had the pleasure of being coached/mentored by you. You did more then coach, you taught life lessons that still live on to this day. Thank you and may you rest in peace.. My prayers to you and yours!
Steve & Marcia Pfeifer says
Nancy, Matt & Jason,
Our deepest sympathies to you all. God be with you.
Dave and Marilyn Reynolds says
Menchinger family,
One of the greatest memories of our years in the St. Joe Church was relating to and working with the members of the Menchinger families. You all have greatly blessed our lives.
Our prayers are with you as you have lost another of your great men. May God’s grace and the fellowship of the people of his Church give you strength, courage, and hope as you move into the future.
God bless,
Dave and Marilyn
Peggy Daniels says
Anonymous says
Karen, Ken, and Anton Thery says
Nancy, Matt, and Jason, we are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for you as well as Julianne and David. May God give you strength and comfort.
Lorna and Jay Hager says
When you think about the following words: loved, loving, laughing, exploring and being missed, the only synonym that could match is Steve Case. Our hearts are grieving.
Lorna and Jay Hager
Keith Sherrer says
While I did not know Mr. Case personally, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know his son, Matt, here in Nashville. The fruit of a nurturing father and coach is evident in Matt’s life and character.
Nyle Kardatzke says
Nancy,
It was only today that I learned of Steve’s death through Dave Coolidge’s newsletter. This is sad and shocking news in light of his vigorous life and the handsome picture that appeared with the e-mail. He clearly led an exemplary and faithful life. My heart goes out to you in this time of loss.
Nyle
Linda Billingsley Niedringhaus says
Just learned of your loss today from Randy Van Alstine. I was a classmate of Steve’s at MacArthur High School, Class of 1962. What a wondeful tribute to a life well-lived.
Rev. Greg Williams says
Coach Case, I’d like to take the time to thank you for all the mentoring and inspiration that you provided me, that allowed me to grow as a young man finding his way through life. It is the small seed that you have planted with me and other young men that has contributed immeasurably to their lives. Thanks for all that you have done, and may the family be blessed and find comfort during this time of bereavement.