Service Details
Friday, December 21, 2018
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
- Visitation: 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
- Visitation: 9:30am – 10:30am
- Funeral Service: 10:30am
- Entombment and Military Honors follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia
Mt. Pleasant – Steve F. Tajnai, 89, was surrounded by his family as he passed away at Hospice Alliance Hospice House on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. He was born in Racine on December 26, 1928, the son of the late Joseph and Teres (nee: Csabai) Tajnai, Sr. Steve graduated from Park High School, and was a US Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He was married in St. Edward’s Catholic Church on May 16, 1953 to Joyce Merchle. Sadly, Joyce preceded him in death on March 16, 2012.
Many will remember Steve from the good times they shared at Steve-O-Reno’s Tavern, a local landmark that he owned for many years. He also worked for the Racine Department of Public Works for many years prior to opening his tavern. He was a caring man who had a soft spot for the underdog. Steve had a hard exterior yet loved his family and friends. He would give the shirt off his back and Steve and Joyce’s house was always open. He was fluent in Hungarian and was brought up on the southeast side of Racine in the the middle of Italian and Hungarian immigrants. Steve will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his children: Stephen (Pat) Tajnai, Terri Tarkington, Peggy (Tom) Pulda, Susan (Tom) Merkel, Joseph (Pam) Tajnai, Thomas (Cris) Tajnai, Michael (Jacqueline) Tajnai, and Robert (Mary Kay) Tajnai; 26 grandchildren: Alex Tajnai, Aaron Tajnai, Matt Tarkington, Andrew Tarkington, Greg (Amanda) Pulda, Kristen (Jared) Pedersen, Brittany (T.J.) Bodnar, Alissa (Mike) Bergmann, Josh Pulda, Rachel Merkel, Therese Merkel, Ryan Merkel, Sara (Adrian) McNeal, Steve (Amy) Tajnai, Rebekah (Greg) Faas, Ben (Sarah) Tajnai, Jon (Kelsey) Tajnai, Daniel (Abby) Tajnai, David Tajnai, Kristen Tajnai, Caroline Tajnai, Lauren (Adam) Lewis, Sophia Tajnai, Stephanie (Joel) Bergmann, Kaitlin (Dan) Hood, and Anna (Eddie) Piotrowski; 24 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Tom Tarkington; brother Joe Tajnai; and sisters Annie Putra, Margaret Balog, and Julie Conway.
Complete services will be held in the funeral home beginning with a visitation on Friday evening, December 21, 2018 from 4pm-7pm. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 and be followed by his funeral service at 10:30am with Rev. Richard Molter officiating. Entombment and military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.
Bill Greco Punta Gorda, FL says
My sincere condolences and sympathies to Steve, Peggy and the entire Tajnai family on your loss. My late father always spoke fondly of Steve and the Southside gang. I’m sure they’re having quite the reunion in heaven!
Jim Coe says
RIP Steve, remembering the fun times bowling kankakee and post softball game celebration.
Carl Brosman and family says
Cousins and family, I am so sorry to see the patriarch of the Tajnai family has passed on. I will always happily remember Uncle Steve as we grew up. He was always fun and full of great stories. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts.