Rotary InternationalDistrict Governor Nominee
Stephen F. (Steve) Schlueter
The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island
Steve was born and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. Starting work at age twelve, he learned a trade in auto mechanics and moonlighted playing bass guitar for local rock bands including two he started. After three years in the Army, one in Vietnam, Steve’s support of a young family forced him to give up music and concentrate on a career in the manufacturing sector. Since 1990 he has owned his own manufacturing company and operated facilities in the United States and Mexico. Semi-retired, Steve and his wife Pam make their home in Bradenton, Florida, have four children and three grandchildren. For Christmas in 2006 Pam gave Steve a new bass guitar. So after thirty plus years away, Steve has his music back and now enjoys playing classic rock just as much as he did then.
Steve joined Rotary in 1998 but admittedly did not become a Rotarian until moving to Florida full time in January, 2002. “Everyone has their ‘Rotary Moment’ and I’ve been blessed with several these past few years.” Steve’s current focus in Rotary is TRF, its programs and education and he enjoys the fellowship and common bonds of being a Rotarian. Steve is a member and Past President (2) of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Past Assistant Governor for District 6960 Area 11, Chairman of the District 6960 Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee, a Charter Member of the Paul Harris Society, a Major Donor, Bequest Society Member, Benefactor and Multiple Sustaining Member. Steve is also a Discussion Leader for the Rotary Leadership Institute, Sunshine Division.
Besides Rotary, Steve has been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for many years, serving at the National, State, District and Post levels. Steve has received numerous awards for service at each level and has thoroughly enjoyed his involvement.
In addition to his business, volunteer work and his music, Steve enjoys cooking, fishing and a good book. Once an avid hunter in Wisconsin, he now favors the meat market (because it's much warmer and you don't have to get up so darned early). When fully retired, he looks forward to taking golf up again.
Rotary Thoughts Caught in Passing
“Help a new Rotarian experience their ‘Rotary Moment’.”
“Give to The Rotary Foundation. Don’t give until it hurts, give until it feels good.”
“Why is it when I help someone I end up feeling better than they do?”
“Look around. Make a difference.”
“The laughter of the children made my heart warm. It changed my life.”