Stephen J. Rowbottom

Born November 20, 1941 in Geneva, IL to Robert F. and Jean (Arthur) Rowbottom. Survived by his wife, Cynthia Benner and daughter, Betsy (Homer) Rowbottom, of Shorewood. Also survived by sisters, Barbara (Robert) Jarchow, of Southern Pines, NC and Margaret (Richard) DeKeyser, of Pensacola, FL; also five nephews and nieces, and nine Godchildren. He was married a few times to magnificent, trying women. A cruciverbalist and a collector of sports memorabilia, he was a founder of the Gate X Fantasy Baseball League and SID at UWM. The morning voice of 'Sports from Bottom to Top' on WRIT-AM, he was a longtime, suffering Chicago Cubs fan. Steve was a sometime MPS teacher without notable distinction. Often contentious to a fault, Steve relished taking on contrary positions. For 33 years, he was an accomplished and rules-savvy referee and umpire. He is recalled for passing out salted peanuts for players' heroic deeds. While umpiring a college baseball game, a clever fan once bellowed, "If you had one more eye, we'd call you Cyclops." Chuckling, Steve turned to the fan, doffed his mask and took a deep bow in recognition of the fan's creativity. He was a member of St. Pius X Parish, where he was on the Athletic Board. Memorial services are set for Thursday, August 26, at 4 PM, at St. Pius (2506 North Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213). 3:30 PM visitation preceding, and a Celebration of Life get together for friends at Derry's Pub directly following the Memorial.