Frederick "Chuck" Steinhauer II
May 07, 1952 - June 22, 2026
Obituary
Frederick Charles “Chuck” Steinhauer II passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 74 years old.
Chuck was born on May 7, 1952, in Madison, Wisconsin, the first of five children born to Frederick Charles “Fritz” and Nancie Steinhauer. Raised in a close-knit Christian family, Chuck grew up in a home where faith, education, hard work, integrity, and service to others were guiding principles. The Steinhauer family shared a love of athletics, friendly competition, and spending time together, values that would shape Chuck throughout his life.
From an early age, Chuck discovered his passion for baseball. Although he also played football at Madison Memorial High School, baseball was the sport that captured his heart. His accomplishments on the diamond were extraordinary. Chuck helped lead championship teams, winning both Midget and Men’s City Championships in Madison. In 1967, he was the starting pitcher and an outfielder for the Madison West Senior Little League All-Star Team. The team advanced all the way to the Senior Little League World Series after winning the Wisconsin State Championship, with Chuck earning the victory on the mound in the championship game. When he wasn’t pitching, he was equally valuable in the outfield, batting over .300. His outstanding play earned him First Team All-City honors.
Chuck continued his baseball career at Southern Illinois University, where he played under legendary coach Richard “Itchy” Jones. As a member of the Saluki baseball program, Chuck was part of the 1971 Southern Illinois team that competed in the College World Series, one of the proudest athletic accomplishments of his life.
The discipline and determination that made Chuck successful in athletics became the foundation of an exceptional professional career. After earning his degree at Southern Illinois University, he began his career in St. Louis, Missouri with Touche Ross, a Big 8 accounting firm. In 1976, Chuck returned to Madison and joined the family business, Madison Dairy. Working alongside his father and brothers Gary and Randy, Chuck helped transform Madison Dairy into one of the nation’s premier butter producers, serving both retail and food service markets throughout the United States. His leadership helped guide the company through years of remarkable growth before its successful sale in 2000 to Land O’ Lakes.
Chuck’s reputation for sound judgment, integrity, and business acumen led many organizations to seek his leadership. He served with distinction for many years on the Board of Directors of M&I Bank, where his financial expertise and thoughtful leadership were highly valued. He also had a lifelong appreciation for the arts and proudly served on the Board of the Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, believing that vibrant arts organizations enrich the entire community. Chuck also served on the Board and Foundation Board for St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Continuing the legacy established by his father, Chuck served as a Trustee of the Steinhauer Charitable Trust. The Foundation has generously supported organizations dedicated to improving lives throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Among the causes closest to his heart were UW Children’s Hospital, The First Tee, United Way and The Carbone Cancer Center. Chuck believed deeply that success carried with it the responsibility to lift others, and his philanthropy reflected his compassion and generosity.
While Chuck’s professional accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. Through his daughter Meredithe’s passion for champion show horses, Chuck discovered an entirely new world that quickly became one of his greatest pleasures. He loved traveling across the country to horse shows, proudly supporting Meredithe as she earned numerous World and National Championship titles. Whether sitting ringside or celebrating after a successful class, Chuck was her biggest supporter.
His influence extended far beyond the show arena. Chuck played an instrumental role in helping Meredithe and her husband, Whitney, develop Willow Ridge Farm, which opened its doors in November 2017. Drawing upon decades of business experience, he became a trusted mentor, helping them cultivate not only an exceptional equestrian program but also a thriving business. Watching Willow Ridge Farm flourish and seeing Meredithe and Whitney succeed brought him tremendous pride and happiness.
When not in Madison, Chuck enjoyed his time at their family cottage in Door County. Watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan and listening to the waves crash on the beach provided time to relax. Chuck also spent many Winters at his home in Indian Wells, California, near friends and family.
Those who knew Chuck will remember a true gentleman—a man of quiet confidence, humility, unwavering integrity, and remarkable generosity. He led by example, always placing character above recognition and relationships above personal success.
Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Denise (Osthoff) Steinhauer; his cherished daughter, Meredithe (Whitney) Bodnar; his siblings, Gary (Terri) Steinhauer, Randy (Mary) Steinhauer, Tom (Ellen) Steinhauer, and Sherri Steinhauer; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, kindness, generosity, and encouragement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Charles “Fritz” and Nancie Steinhauer.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with a reception at Maple Bluff Country Club to celebrate Chuck’s remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chuck’s honor to UW Children’s Hospital, The First Tee, or The Carbone Cancer Center.
The City of Madison has lost an extraordinary businessman, philanthropist, athlete, and gentleman. More importantly, his family has lost a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Chuck’s legacy of integrity, generosity, faith, and quiet leadership will live on through the many lives he touched and the values he passed on to future generations.
Those wishing to share a memory or express condolences may visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
