Steven Platteter

April 24, 1961 – Feb. 27, 2025

Steven Platteter, a man equally at home behind a camera, a library desk or on the battlefield (albeit a reenacted one), left this world on Feb. 27, 2025.

Steve was born on April 24, 1961, in Marshfield, Wis., the son of Robert and Mary (Zertler) Platteter.

At the age of 9, his family moved to Port Washington, Wis., a community he considered home.

Steve’s first career as a photojournalist captured the world in frames, but it was his second act — three decades as a librarian — that cemented his legacy. He served as the automation services librarian for the Southwest Wisconsin Library System for seven years, as automation services librarian for the Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System for nearly 10 years, as director of the Arrowhead Library System for more than 11 years and most recently as deputy director of the Prairie Lakes Library System since its inception in January 2023. A champion of small libraries and passionate advocate for collaboration, his proudest achievement was the system merger that resulted in the new Prairie Lakes Library System.

He served as the Wisconsin Library Association’s photographer for decades and was deeply honored to be a member of the WiLS (Wisconsin Library Service) Board for the past 12 years. In 2023, his dedication was recognized with the WLA/DEMCO Librarian of the Year Award.

But Steve was never confined to the stacks. His love of history led him to don the wool and leather of past centuries, immersing himself in Civil War, Wild West and World War I re-enactments. A proud member of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Co. C, he found great joy in bringing history to life and particularly enjoyed retelling history to Reedsburg fifth-graders each year.

His passion for the past also landed him on screen in “Love and Valor: The Intimate Civil War Letters” and multiple Iowa Public Television productions.

A man of many interests, Steve was an accomplished competitive shooter, a cowboy at heart and devoted theatergoer, especially at American Players Theatre. He was equally comfortable discussing 19th-century battle strategy, riding his horse Jack over rural terrain, swapping stories over a campfire or capturing living history from behind a camera lens.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Roxane Bartelt; brothers Robert Platteter and Philip (Donna) Platteter; extended family members; and a legion of friends, colleagues and fellow re-enactors who will forever remember his kindness, knowledge  and dedication.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Platteter.

The family extends special thanks to the dedicated caregivers at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center, Mercyhealth at Home Hospice, BrightStar Care and his brother Bob for their compassionate care in his final weeks.

Steve lived by the wisdom of Gordon R. Dickson: “Trouble rather the tiger in his lair than the sage amongst his books.” He was both sage and tiger — fierce in his pursuits, wise in his counsel — and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to American Players Theatre, P.O. Box 819, Spring Green, WI 53588, americanplayers.org.

Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.