Born on August 9, 1949 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Father began his priestly formation at Saint Joseph Preparatory Seminar in Edgerton from 1964-1968, Holy Redeemer College in Waterford from 1969-1972, and Saint Francis de Sales Seminary School of Pastoral Ministry in St. Francis from 1973-1977. Father was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1977, by Most Revered William E. Cousins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.
Father Stiefvater was first assigned to St. Veronica Parish in Milwaukee on June 14, 1977, as Associate Pastor. On February 20, 1979, he was assigned as Team Member at St. Veronica Parish in Milwaukee. He was released for Pastoral Work as Team Member in the Diocese of San Juan de la Manguana, Dominican Republic on June 22, 1982. Father was appointed Pastor at Holy Trinity – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Milwaukee on January 7, 1986. On June 21, 1994, he was appointed Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in Walworth County. Father was appointed Director, Office of Vocations at Saint Frances de Sales Seminary in St. Francis on January 1, 1996. Father was appointed Vicar for Hispanic Ministry on July 1, 2004. On August 1, 2004, he was appointed Pastor at St. Hyacinth Parish in Milwaukee. Father was assigned Pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Milwaukee on June 20, 2006 while remaining Pastor at St. Hyacinth Parish in Milwaukee and Vicar for Hispanic Ministry. On June 17, 2008, he was appointed Moderator, in solidum team at St. Hyacinth, St. Vincent de Paul and Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz Parishes in Milwaukee. On June 16, 2009, Father was appointed Team Member, in solidum team at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac. He was appointed Team Moderator, in solidum team at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac on September 1, 2013. On June 16, 2015, Father was assigned Pastor at All Saints Parish in Milwaukee. He was appointed Shared Pastor at All Saints and St. Martin de Porres Parishes on June 21, 2016. On June 19, 2018, Father was assigned Shared Associate Pastor at All Saints and St. Martin de Porres Parishes. He retired from active ministry on June 30, 2019.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Stiefvater will be celebrated at St. Bernard Parish, 7474 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. up to the time of the funeral Mass at St. Bernard Parish.
May he rest in peace.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Dominican Republic La Sagrada Familia, Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Schools, Vocations, or Hispanic Ministry.