Stephen "Steve" R. Wilkinson

Stephen R. “Steve” Wilkinson Of Grafton. December 25, 2016 at the age of 66 years. Steve is survived by his mother; Joan Wilkinson of New London, WI., brother; James (Karen) Wilkinson of Appleton, WI and his sister; Mary (Dave) Hauser of Ray, OH. Brother -in-law of Barbara Wilkinson. Dear uncle of Todd (Kristy), Joshua and Aaron Wilkinson and Kerrie, Jody and Shane Hauser. Further survived by other relatives and many friends. Steve is preceded in death by his father; Robert and his brother; Mark. Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 5:00pm at the Grafton Mueller Funeral Home with visitation on Monday from 3:00pm to 4:45pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ozaukee Washington Land Trust 200 Wisconsin Street, West Bend, WI 53095 appreciated. Steve was born in New London, WI on September 23, 1950. He graduated from New London Senior High School and went on to study at Stout State University and retired as a technical writer from Trenton Technical Studio in West Bend, WI. Steve enjoyed his property on the Milwaukee River reading, camping and hiking. For 20 years he volunteered in the Passport in Time Alpine Tunnel historic preservation project in Colorado’s Gunnison National Forest. After settling in Grafton, WI he became an active member and volunteer with the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust. He was named Outstanding Volunteer in 2011 and in 2013 shared the Stewardship Championship Award. He was a board vice-president and active volunteer in the Ulao Creek Partnership. Steve has been involved with the Town of Grafton fro many years as a current member of the Open Space Commission and past member of the Plan Commission. In addition to being on the various commissions, he volunteered to care for the Grafton Canoe and Kayak Launch until recently, when health concerns no longer allowed. He worked tirelessly on the Grafton Legacy Trail; headed up the Dark Skies Initiative; and presented workshops for the Grafton’s Open Space and Bird City, WI workshops. He was passionate about Bratt Woods (OWLT Property) and also the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. He advocated for an overlook on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail near the bridge overlooking the Milwaukee River. He loved the outdoors and working with the Ulao Creek partnership (tree Plantings, invasive species management, etc.) He was instrumental in advocating for new Ulao Creek signage to label the creek at several road crossing locations. “ He was very sincere and a strong advocate for environmental preservation”