Steven J. Fairbank

Steven James Fairbank, lovingly known to many as Steve or “Mooch,” was born on December 25, 1963, and passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and dear friends.

Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a true jack of all trades whose presence left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a man who could fix just about anything and loved to tinker with everything from small motors to engines in cars and trucks. Whether working on one of his many old vehicles, spending time with his beloved garden tractors, or creating woodworking projects with antique tools, Steve found joy in building, fixing, and improving. His home, yard, and garage were always filled with projects in progress, a true reflection of his curious mind and hands-on spirit.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lorraine Fairbank, with whom he built a life centered on family, resilience, and care for others. He was a proud father to Ricky (Angela) Fairbank, Randy (Kea) Fairbank, and Karl (Rachael) Peschke, whom he loved as his own. Steve found immense joy in being a grandfather to Jaxon, Kinzley, Jensen, Aubrey, James, and Isla, all of whom will miss him deeply. His home was also filled with the companionship of beloved family pets, Maverick, Harley, and Stella.

He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry (Penny) Fairbank and Jeff (Grace) Fairbank; his special “adopted” mom, Fern Zamzow; and many extended family members, including Kathy (Robert) Peschke and family, Cindy (Todd) Boelter and family, Larry Zamzow and family, along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Steve cherished his close friendships, including Larry and Nancy James and family, Bobby Kinyon, Dave McCoy, and Gary “Woody” Wood. These friendships were a testament to his loyalty and the genuine connections he built throughout his life.

He was proud to serve his community as a Rosendale volunteer firefighter for 35 years, a role that reflected his willingness to step up and help others in times of need. He was the kind of neighbor and friend who would always lend a helping hand, even if he joked or grumbled along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” and Anita (Kutzke) Fairbank, and his sister, Janice Loker.

Above all, Steve will be remembered as a caring husband, proud father, loving grandfather, loyal friend, and a man who showed up for the people around him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved deeply, by blood and by bond, and in the many lives he touched.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Berlin Hospital, Flight for Life, and UW Madison Hospital, with special gratitude to Nurses Kristen and Allyssa for their compassionate care and support.