Steven Douglas Marko, 70, passed away unexpectedly at home Monday, May 25, 2026 with his fiancée Erica Sonnenberg by his side. Steve was born November 9, 1955 to William and Gardella (Steinmetz) Marko in Wausau, Wisconsin. He attended school in the Colfax and Elk Mound School Districts. Stevie worked in environmental services and as an arc welder for several years. At the end of the day, it was scraping that kept calling his name until he retired in 2021.

Stevie & Erica moved to Seattle Washington in 1990 before moving to Oregon in 1991 where he spent the next 30 years or so. After going their own ways for 25 years Stevie and Erica reunited in 2021 that’s when he moved home to Colfax and resided with his true love Erica Sonnenberg.

Who would have known this would be his final landing? Stevie made a promise to Destiny’s birth dad (the late) Kris Coulter that he would take care of his daughter. Stevie wasn’t a stepdad he was a stepped up dad and he loved Destiny as his own. Destiny and Stevie or Stevie daddy had a special bond, she was the daughter he never had and she loved her Stevie. She performed many living room concerts for him at full volume. Stevie sat and listened or danced and rocked out. She even got him up to play just dance with her on Xbox, I’d tell him she will keep you young. He encouraged her each time telling her she was going to be a star someday. She loved her Stevie and he loved her.

He had more love to give as he stepped up to yet another bonus daughter Dailyn, they always could be seen with a smile ear to ear, every time Dailyn drove into the driveway both of them were smiling flipping the bird at each other, you could hear the laughs. They always ended her visits with each of them saying “Love ya, See you in church”.

Stevie’s “Pergerlongski” aka Devin that was the nickname Stevie gave him before he was one. Anyone that knows Stevie knows he has nicknames for everyone. Stevie and Devin spent these last years building a strong, loving relationship. It was very obvious they loved and cared for each other Devin brought two beautiful amazing grandchildren to Stevie‘s life. Lincoln and Braylee were the Apple of Papa‘s eyes. He loved those kids and their siblings. Papa loved to let them pick out candy from his candy dish or a necklace or bracelet from his jewelry collection.

Lastly, over the past five years of being back home he was able to spend time with his siblings and nieces and nephews and see friends he hadn’t seen in years. It was great to see him smile when he was able to spend time with people he loved and cared about. Stevie had a great smile that for sure would bring a smile to your face as well. Thinking back to the night he passed away, I will always carry with me the memory of him smiling at me as he said “I had a really good day, love you Bun.”

Steven is survived by his fiancée Erica Sonnenberg and bonus daughters Dailyn and Destiny. Sons Dominic Bauer and Devin Sonnenberg-Marko and his grandchildren Lincoln and Braylee as well as his Sisters Linda Rundle, Marla Vadnais, Pam (Rod) Brendel, Sherri (Guy) Haseltine and Nancy Klick. Brothers Larry Marko, Doug Marko, Don Marko, Ron (Laura) Marko and is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents . His son Joshua Johnson (Marko), his sister Debra Marko (Malek) and his brother Dennis Marko.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future.