The passing of Steven Janke on May 31, 2026, has left a profound void in the lives of countless veterans, military families, friends, and community members across Wisconsin and beyond. A proud U.S. Marine, fifth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer, and founder of Semper Forward, Steve dedicated his life to service—both in and out of uniform.
Steve often described his story as one of “soil and roots.” In 1996, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and Okinawa, Japan. After completing his military service, he returned home to Westfield, Wisconsin, where he spent fifteen years working on his family’s dairy farm, carrying forward a farming legacy that stretched back generations.
His commitment to service did not end there. In 2017, while working with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Steve was challenged to help attract transitioning service members to Wisconsin. He embraced the mission wholeheartedly, declaring, “I’ll do it. I’ll show the gospel of the Great State of Wisconsin.”
That vision led to the creation of Mission Wisconsin and later Semper Forward, organizations devoted to helping veterans and military families successfully transition into civilian life. Since 2020, Steve personally impacted thousands of service members, guiding them toward new opportunities, careers, and communities. He believed every veteran had two missions: the one they completed in uniform and the one that awaited them afterward.
Known for his warmth, storytelling, and relentless dedication to others, Steve built relationships wherever he went. He checked on people, connected them with resources, and encouraged them to build meaningful networks long before they needed help.
Steve is survived by his children, Ashton and Emma; his parents, Alyson and Terry; his siblings, Tim and Margaret; and a vast community of veterans and friends who considered him family.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held on June 5 in Westfield, Wisconsin. Though Steve’s passing is deeply felt, his mission endures through the lives he changed and the countless veterans he inspired to find their next purpose.
