On Saturday, July 22nd, 2023.
Beloved husband of Christine Williams-Mrotek; devoted father of Kyle Mrotek and Jay Mrotek; cherished son of Paul and Lois (nee Dreger) Mrotek; loving brother of Debra (Randy) Sedo, Sharon (Mike) Kufner, and Kathy (Dick) Safranski; adored son-in-law of Constance (the late Tom) Williams; dear brother-in-law of Kathryn (Jim Heese) Williams-Heese, Linda (Tommy Thaxton) Williams, Judy (Dan Sebben) Williams, and Susan (Fritz) Hoover; our dearest uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.
Steve was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and graduated from University of Wisconsin Platteville. He moved to St. Louis in 1985 for federal employment as a cartographer for DMAAC which later became NGA. He retired from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St. Louis in April 2017 and was diagnosed with brain cancer a few days later. Steve survived treatment for 6+ more years.
Steve was a passionate runner and active in all aspects of the sport. Not only was he a competitive runner, he also became a part-time distance coach for Pilots youth group as well as Cor Jesu and Lindbergh High Schools. He established a race management company, Missouri Race Management, and directed many events prior to his diagnosis. He was a dedicated promoter of the sport of running his entire adult life.
SERVICES: Public visitation will be held at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Rd 63123) on Thursday, August 3rd from 4-7 pm with prayer service to follow. Interment at Sunset Cemetery will be held in private. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Friday, August 4th with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to BJC Hospice are greatly appreciated.
My deepest condolences to the family. Steve was a great guy, funny and energetic. I remember seeing him in the lobby on the day of his retirement. He was so excited.
I was lucky to have worked with Steve and even was his supervisor for awhile. He was well liked and often talked fondly of his boys and wife.
Rest in peace, Steve. You will be greatly missed.
RIP Mort!
Mort, I’m glad that our paths crossed. RIP buddy!
His smile and laughter would light up a room. Steve, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Steve, Dave and I will miss our runs and conversations! Look forward to seeing you in Heaven at a later date. Prayers for your family!
I will keep his family in my prayers
My deepest sympathy to the family. Steve was a great friend and co-worker. I remember all those lunches at Bellacino’s splitting Meatlovers pizzas and other fun times.
R.I.P. Steve
My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family and friends. He will be missed and remembered
Our deepest sympathy to the Mrotek family.
Steve was a good man. Our love and prayers go out to all of you.
Mark and Laurie Eberhardt
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
My deepest sympathy Chris, Kyle & Jay. Also to Paul, Lois, Debra, Sharon & Kathy. And to his close friend Jeff Nickels. Steve was an incredible man. It was so great to reconnect with Steve this past year and remember our days as an Immanuel Hornet, playing softball, parties at peoples houses and friends that we have shared throughout the years. His peace that he gave me while talking to him will never be forgotten. Thank you Steve. Rest in Peace my friend as the world was a better place with you in it. Kruegs
My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family, he was kind hearted individual with a quick smile. He was always willing to talk about running and help my kids in the sport. He will definitely be missed. Rest in Peace.
Mort, your passion for running was contagious. So glad I got to know you!
Every time I watch a Packer game I’ll think of the good times we had together. Go Pack!
Rest in peace.
Steve a bundle of energy from the moment I met him thru running, always super outgoing and funny, a friend to all he met,know he loved D-map job & associates. Had priorities straight, family was everything
I am very sorry to hear this!! Sympathies and prayers to the family. Rest In Peace, Steve.
My sympathies to Steve’s family on this tremendous loss. He worked for me for a period of time and always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered. Rest in Peace Steve.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
My sincerest condolences. Thoughts and Prayers to Chris, Kyle, and Jay, as well as Paul, Lois and his sisters. Growing up in Manty. ‘Dr. J and Eddie V’. Weekend hoops in Branch…. My friend, you may have left us far too soon, but your presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. You are in a beautiful, wonderful, place now. Rest in Peace.
Steve was such an inspiration to the running community. He helped guide me on my first track work outs. I am so sorry for your loss, please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
It was a pleasure to know you. Try as I might my running skills never came close to yours, but it wasn’t so much the victory but the journey. As they say, Long may you run. RIP – Run In Peace
Rest in Peace.
My deepest sympathy to Chris and her family. I had a dream last night, saw Steve and gave him a long hug, he was smiling and gave me a pat on the back. Rest in peace buddy.
My condolences to the Mrotek Family. I always remember the friendly smiles and shared stories from our UW-P days. A pleasure to be around and a friend to so many. A good man.
Rest in Peace
Such a great man with a smile to match. We are so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace.
Steve, you fought a hell of a fight. Your positivity all along amazed me and inspired me. I enjoyed working with you . Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to Christine, Kyle and Jay. I first met Steve as a track athlete in High School, and then again through the St Louis Track Club and then through his race timing business. Steve made a tremendous contribution to the St Louis running community and I was proud to call him a friend.
It was always a pleasure, the past 30+ years, chatting with Steve when we crossed paths at DMA(AC)/NIMA/NGA or at social gatherings in the St. Louis area. He will be missed.
I can only imagine the fight that Steve fought. I worked with him and quickly learned that once he set his mind, perserverance would prevail. My heart is broken for his family. His smile was infectious and I am confident that he taught many, many folks valuable lessons – running, friendship, and living. Rest in peace and prayers of comfort for all who are already missing you.
Steve was truly a good guy who lived his life to the max. Whether it was work, running, football, or just joking around, he could add a note-worthy perspective to any conversation. I will always remember his friendship and the many great times we had together. Good-bye old buddy.
Steve left us way too soon, but his joy in life will be remembered and celebrated by all of us who were lucky enough to have met and known him. Godspeed, sir.
RIP Steve. Always a smile, always on the move. A good guy
A fiery competitor, a compassionate family man, a super person. I will always remember our races and thoughtful conversations.
My sincerest condolences. Thoughts and Prayers to Chris, Kyle, and Jay, as well as Paul, Lois and his sisters. I have the fondest memories of Steve, while I grew up in Manitowoc.
He made me laugh with his unique sense of humor. In high school, we played golf nearly every morning in the summer and I leaned on his friendship and advice during those chaotic times in my family’s household. He brought a sense of normalcy that I desired during that time period. Before the movie Caddyshack was released, there was the Steve Mrotek Show with his therapeutic humor!
In college, we had fun with air bands, imitating Van Halen. Steve played Eddie Van Halen with perfection, from playing The Shed in Two Rivers, playing before the tv cameras at The Back 40 in Manitowoc to playing on a tiny stage at UW Platteville.
You will be missed dearly! Love you, man.
My condolences go out to Steve’s family. Steve was a great guy with lots of energy and always had a great attitude. He had a passion for life. I really enjoyed playing basketball with him during the old DMAAC basketball leagues, talking Wisconsin basketball and him making fun of my old, worn out running shoes. Steve will be sorely missed.
Always a joy to run into at work, chat awhile, and leave with a bigger smile. Prayers for the family, and RIP, Steve.
My deep condolences to the Mrotek family. I didn’t know Steve well but my interactions with him during the boys Rolla days were always memorable. I knew Steve was an exceptional father and a very good man.
We so enjoyed getting to know Steve through the boys’ friendship and XC. He was so enthusiastic and encouraging. Sending prayers for peace and a huge hug for Chris, Kyle, and Jay.
Mort, it was great working with you. thanks for all the laughs at “the Map Factory”. you will be missed.
We just learned of Steve’s passing.
In Loving Memory of Steve Mrotek: A Champion on and off the Course
The Ultimate Speed Academy wants to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Steve Mrotek, who left an indelible mark on the Ultimate Speed Academy and our annual Cross Country meet. Steve’s unwavering commitment, even in the face of adversity, exemplified the true spirit of resilience and selflessness.
When the news of Steve’s brain cancer diagnosis first reached our ears, it felt as though the world had momentarily stopped. However, it was during that challenging time that Steve displayed his exceptional character and unwavering dedication. Rather than succumbing to despair, he made a profound decision to contribute to the sport he loved so dearly.
Steve’s love for Cross Country ran deep. He understood the importance of precise course measurements and ensuring the smooth execution of the meet. Despite his own personal battle, Steve generously donated his meet equipment, stating, “I won’t be needing this.” Little did we know then, that his words would be a testament to his incredible strength and determination.
Year after year, Steve’s presence remained a constant at Souix Passage park. He meticulously measured out the courses, ensuring that every stride taken by the athletes was accurate. His commitment extended beyond the mere technicalities; he was a pillar of support for both the runners and USA. His familiar face and encouraging words became a source of inspiration for everyone involved.
Through his actions, Steve taught us a valuable lesson about the fragility of life and the immeasurable impact we can make, regardless of our circumstances. He showed us that no matter the obstacles we face, we have the power to leave a lasting legacy through acts of kindness and unwavering dedication.
As we bid farewell to Steve Mrotek, we do so with heavy hearts but also with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had with him, for the memories we shared, and for the profound impact he made on our lives. His relentless spirit and selflessness will forever serve as a guiding light, reminding us to embrace each day with passion and to extend a helping hand to others, no matter our own challenges.
Steve, you may be physically gone, but your spirit remains intertwined with every step taken on the Cross Country course. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations of runners and remind us that we are capable of greatness, even in the face of adversity.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your race may be over, but your spirit will forever live on, propelling us forward with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
The Ultimate Speed Academy