Stephen "Steve" R. Cromwell, 85, Eau Claire died Friday, March 6, 2026 at Heritage Court in Eau Claire.

He was born in Eau Claire on February 20, 1941, the son of Eugene and Gladys (Wendt) Cromwell. Steve graduated from Memorial High School with the class of 1960.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on November 12, 1961. Through his military schooling he trained to become a navigator, and served in various capacities and countries with the Air Force until his honorably discharge on November 10, 1965.

He married Margaret A. Eckweiler on August 7, 1971, in Port Au Prince, Haiti. They were later divorced.

In 1966, Steve began his career with the U. S. Foreign Service. He served as a diplomat traveling to many countries until his retirement in 1993. Following his retirement, he lived in Virginia and then Maggie Valley, NC until moving to Eau Claire in 2003.

Steve was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He loved TV sports, particularly the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He would turn the TV sound off and listen to the radio for the commentary. He would collect model trains and dabbled at golf.

Steve is survived by his son, Timothy S. Cromwell of Hilton, SC; two nephews, Kevin (Erin) Wehrenberg of Door County, WI and Joel (Keturah) Wehrenberg of Aurora IL and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Wehrenberg and close friend, Ruth M. Lehman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am, Thursday March 19 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 Fulton St., Eau Claire with Father Michael Klos officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Church. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com