We are sad to announce the passing of John Steve Elert of Oshkosh. He died at the age of 79 on June 28, 2023. John went by his middle name Steve. He was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin on April 21, 1944. Steve was adopted by Donald and Elizabeth Elert. Steve grew up in Madison, Wisconsin with his two sisters, Maggie and Georgie. Steve graduated from Madison East High School in 1962 and shortly after joined the United States Navy. Steve served during the Vietnam Era from 1962-1968. Steve was grateful to take part on the Honor Flight in October 2022, where his stepson Andy accompanied him.

Steve retired from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections where he earned the nickname of "Sarge". He enjoyed many activities throughout his life, including playing softball, mud racing, hill climbs, camping, attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren and taking meticulous care of his vehicles. He had a wealth of knowledge and loved to share it with others.

Later in life, Steve found out he had two biological siblings, Gary Crapp and Jan Urquhart.

Steve was preceded in death by father Donald Elert, mother Elizabeth Elert, sister Maggie Strong, Brother-in-law Bud Strong and biological brother Gary Crapp.

He is survived by his sister Georgie Lancaster (Paul), biological sister Jan Urquhart (Thomas), sister-in-law Pam Crapp, daughter Andrea Elert-Buckwalter, son-in-law Ed, Stepchildren James Ewing (Amy), Andy Ewing (Stephanie), Robert Ewing (Raquel), and Chad Ewing (Trisha), 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, Konnie Brown, many nephews, nieces and his cousin Candy (Farrel) Smith.

Steve will have a memorial service that will be held at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (King, WI) on August 11, at 2pm with a celebration of life gathering to follow in Dale, WI at Daufen Memorial Park. Steve had a love for his cats, Puddles, Squeak and Kallie. The family would like any monetary contributions to be given to Oshkosh Area Humane Society in his name.