Steve was born on April 22^nd, 1950 to John and Vivian Fleis. Steve grew up in Onalaska, Wisconsin and graduated from Onalaska High School in 1968. While in high school, Steve participated in golf, football, and basketball. He lettered nine times. He also played the trumpet in the band, and sang in the Onalaska School choir.

After graduation, Steve enlisted in the Navy, serving 2 years in Morocco. Once leaving the military, Steve enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. While in college, Steve worked at Heileman’s Brewery as a tour guide, a job he really enjoyed. It was during one of these tours that he met his wife, Katie. In 1973, they were married. Steve then graduated in 1974 with a Business degree, while Katie had a career in teaching.

Steve’s father, John, started his career as a teacher and coach for 15 years. He then moved back to Onalaska where he began his own insurance agency which was where Steve began working following graduation. In 1989, Steve bought his father’s business, Fleis Insurance. Steve credits his father in learning the importance of serving in the community, especially youth.

 Steve and Katie adopted two children, Adam in 1981, and Jenna in 1987. Adam currently works for Steve in the insurance business and Jenna works at Gundersen as a psychomotrist.

Like his father, Steve has been involved in many community boards and committees. Steve has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club since 1991. He also currently serves on the Junior Achievement Board of Directors. In past years, Steve was very active on the YMCA, La Crosse Symphony, and the Red Cross Board of Directors. Because his mother was a Westby native, Steve and his family became involved in the Snowflake Ski Jump Club as a Board member and volunteers. Being a proud UW-L alumnus, Steve has been very involved in UW-L, serving on their Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors, while also serving as President of the L Club, UW-L’s Athletic Booster Club. Longtime season ticket holder, Steve can be seen supporting many UW-L athletic teams.



In his spare time, Steve is an avid golfer and has one of the premier classic golf club collection in the area.