COLUMBUS, WI – It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of Steven Frederick "Ike" Lienke, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and lifelong farmer, passed away unexpectedly, with his daughter by his side, on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Columbus, Wisconsin, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.

Ike was born on June 26, 1959, in Columbus, the eldest son of Leonard "Bill" and Donna (Castleberry) Lienke. He grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, family, and community alongside his four siblings Susie, Sandy, Lenny, and Kevin. After graduating from Columbus High School, Ike continued the proud tradition of farming the family land. Over the years, he also dedicated many years of service to local businesses, including Fall River Foundry and Northwoods Paper Converting in Beaver Dam.

A man who was truly one of a kind, Ike's life centered on his family and the land he loved. He had a deep affection for his John Deere tractors, tending to his farm and garden, and meticulously mowing his lawn. Every year, he eagerly looked forward to the annual pilgrimage to Green Bay: loading the John Deere and his famous "Party Wagon" with family and friends for a special trip to a Packer game. Ike really enjoyed "shooting the breeze" with his favorite people, friends and family, over an ice-cold Busch Light.

Ike's greatest pride and joy was his family and his farm. He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Danielle Kathleen "Dani" Lienke, whom he loved very much. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to his two grandchildren, Reid Tyler Hohlstein (age 11) and Journey LeAnn Hohlstein (age 9). Ike cherished the time spent with them, whether building "towers" in the basement from empty Busch Light and Diet Pepsi boxes, taking them to Uncle Gary's house to see the baby sheep, or giving them rides around the farm on the party wagon.

He is also survived by his siblings: Susie (Jerry) Schulze, Sandra Krakow, Leonard (Vicki) Lienke, and Kevin (Lori) Lienke, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

Ike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Leonard "Bill" and Donna Lienke, and his uncle and aunt, Fritz (Betty) Lienke.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Jensen Funeral & Cremation LLC. Rev. Sandra Schieble will officiate.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Ike's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com