Stephen W. Handrick

January 2, 1954 – March 2, 2026

Stephen William Handrick, age 72, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Richard and Donna Handrick, Steve lived a life defined by his passion for flight, his devotion to his family, and an unwavering faith in God.

A 1973 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School, Steve went on to proudly serve three years in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977 before receiving an honorable discharge.

Steve knew from the age of 12 that he was meant to be a pilot. Using his VA benefits to fund his flight training, he began his career as a flight instructor in Neillsville and as an aerial photography pilot. Through years of persistence and "lean times," he climbed the ranks—flying for regional airlines, corporate fleets, and hauling cargo for FedEx.

Steve’s dream was fully realized during his 22-year tenure at NetJets, where his favorite aircraft to pilot was the Gulfstream. While he was privileged to fly presidents, Hollywood icons, sports legends, and royalty, he always maintained that his famous passengers were "just regular people." He took immense pride in providing top-notch service and was always particularly proud to "smoke a smooth landing." However, when the cabin was empty, the adventurous pilot in him came out; he thought it was "big fun" to pull a 90-degree bank on a steep takeoff. He concluded his distinguished career as a contract pilot flying a Citation Latitude. Having flown all over the world, Steve truly saw the world through a different lens.

While he traveled the globe, his favorite place was home, enjoying his wife’s cooking and spending time with his family. His other hobbies included hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, walking, and reading.

Steve was a man of deep prayer and has likely prayed by name for everyone he knew. He had a huge heart for worship and loved kneeling in God’s presence in heartfelt praise, usually with Holy tears. He was a man of quiet, intentional generosity who always kept a one-hundred-dollar bill in his wallet, waiting for a nudge from the Spirit to pay for a stranger’s groceries or help someone in need. He specifically sought out the hurting, offering encouragement and prayer to everyone he met.

At home, Steve was a devoted husband who treated his wife, Dianne, like a queen and made her every wish come true. They met in 1978 at a Bible study, where they quickly connected over their shared faith. When a friend told Dianne to marry someone she could "put her trust in with all of her life, for the rest of her life," she knew that Steve was the one. For 45 years of marriage, they faithfully fulfilled their promise to one another: "Until death do us part." Together they raised three children: Evan (Lauren) Handrick of New Hope, MN; Alex Handrick of San Antonio, TX; and Claire (Lance) Neumann of Spencer, WI.

His children and grandchildren made his heart full, and he was extremely proud of the lives they built. For the last nine years, he embraced his favorite role: "Pop-Pop" to his four grandchildren, Sawyer, Hazel, Layla, and Jett.  Every time he saw them, he would place his hands on their heads and pray, "May the Lord keep you and bless you; may His face shine upon you and grant you peace."

Steve is survived by his mother, Donna Wenzel; his brothers, Rick Handrick, Patrick (Jill) Handrick, Tom (Tammy) Handrick, and James (Shelly) Handrick; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Handrick, and his sister, Pamela Chilcote.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Stephen's name to Operation Serve International.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen W. Handrick, please visit our floral store.