Madison Area Lyme Support Group

Dr. Steven G. Meress left the world unexpectedly on February 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of pure love and compassion for his family, friends and his many patients. Born to Ernest and Joyce (LeFebvre) Meress on October 11, 1953, in Marshfield, WI, he died at Aurora BayCare in Green Bay, WI.

He married Lori Kinzler on April 15, 2011, and after their retirement, began a life filled with the joys of grandparenting and international travel.

Dr. Meress attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1971 to 1982, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Microbiology, a Master’s in Immunology, and completed the Physician Assistant Program. Continuing his medical education at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, and New York, NY, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree with Honors in 1986. In 1989, he completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI.

Dr. Meress spent the next 20 years practicing emergency, hospice, and prison medicine in Fond du Lac and surrounding areas.

In 1999, Dr. Meress and his late wife, Julie (Spallas) Meress, responding to a need for private integrative medicine in the community, founded Fox Valley Wellness Center in Fond du Lac, WI. During one of the most exciting and fulfilling chapters of Steve’s career, he soon realized the significant gap in care for patients suffering from Lyme disease and its co-infections, which became a primary focus of the practice. The clinic flourished, serving patients from across the United States and beyond.

After Julie’s death in 2008, Dr. Meress, with the unwavering support of his dedicated staff, continued his mission and expanded the practice’s impact. In 2020, the clinic was sold to Forum Health, a nationwide provider of functional medicine services. Energized by this new chapter in his career, Dr. Meress remained actively involved in patient care as well as in leadership and mentoring roles until his full retirement in October 2024.

Throughout his distinguished career, Steve also proudly served as a Major in the Army Reserve and National Guard. He combined his love of medicine and beautiful cars by serving for many years as track physician at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. He was an active leader in International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), frequently serving as keynote speaker at international conferences. A trusted and respected resource for physicians treating Lyme patients, Steve generously shared his knowledge and experience, receiving numerous accreditations and awards throughout his career. As a lifelong learner, he genuinely cared for his patients and was deeply committed to serving others.

Above all, Steve cherished and prioritized his family. He is survived by his adoring wife, Lori Meress; his beautiful daughter, Jennifer (Dean) Wilson; and his granddaughters, Carmella and Eleanor of Shawano, WI. He is further survived by his stepsons, Brian (Abby) Carson of Santa Rosa, CA; Tony (Amy) Carson of Eugene, OR; and granddaughters Ayla and Azlynn Carson. “Papi,” you will forever remain in our hearts.

He is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews and many friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his dear brother, Ernest Meress, Jr.; and his recently departed sister, Mary Jane Remitz.

Our sorrow is deep, yet deeply grounded in our love for this remarkable man. Words cannot fully express the gratitude we carry for the years, the wisdom, the laughter, and the unwavering love Steve gave so freely. Reflecting God’s love, he cared for others with compassion, service, and devotion. While his absence leaves an ache that will be felt every day, and though we grieve profoundly, we trust Steve is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before him. This is not goodbye, but until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the non-profits The Gratitude Club/Phoenix Nest or the Holy Family Catholic Community Warming Shelter, both in Fond du Lac.

Visitation for Steve will be from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held, beginning at 1:00 PM. Cremation has taken place.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com