This is a memorial website only...
Steigerwald Construction
Building a Reputation, One Century at a Time...
Their story is one of hard work, resilience, and the
timeless belief that a strong foundation—whether in
concrete or in character can last for generations.
Clients from Harley-Davidson to Marquette University
described Steigerwald Construction as...
“trustworthy, stable, organized, and dependable.”
A Legacy Built to Last Through four generations!
It all began in 1885
Ed is Seated with Legs crossed
Ed Steigerwald arrived from Germany with little more than a dream & a mason’s trowel. From the basement of his home on 23rd and Galena in Milwaukee, he laid the foundation—literally and figuratively of what would become one of Wisconsin’s oldest family-owned construction companies.
with sons Ed, Peter, and John joining him, the business became Ed Steigerwald & Sons, building everything from churches and schools to factories and hospitals. Soon after came landmarks like St. Michael’s Church, early Harley-Davidson buildings, and several structures for Marquette University.
From breweries like Schlitz, to sacred spaces like St. Francis Seminary, to community treasures like Holy Rosary Church and
St. Ann Rest Home, their craftsmanship stood the test of time.
even weathering the Great Depression
when many others could not.
the boom years returned, and so did
the Steigerwalds—stronger than ever!
Did you know?
🏗️ The company built much of the Mount Mary College campus in the 1920s.
🧱 The famous red bricks on Harley-Davidson’s world headquarters were laid by Steigerwald masons over a century ago.
📐 John Steigerwald graduated in 1912 as one of Marquette’s first civil engineers.
Through the third and fourth generations, they expanded their expertise into design-build projects, renovations, and large-scale institutional construction.
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Now, more than a century later, Mark and Joseph Steigerwald, great-grandsons of Ed, carry forward the same values of quality, honesty, and family pride that started in that Milwaukee basement.
the Steigerwald family didn’t just build buildings...
...they built trust, community, and heritage!
Steigerwald finds new home at
Dahlman Construction
“They’ve been very welcoming to us. They’ve made us feel like part of the family. It’s a very special place to work,” Mark Steigerwald said.
“They’re also a fourth-generation family business,” Steigerwald said.
It’s an opportunity the Steigerwalds never imagined as they contemplated closing the company their great-grandfather, Ed Steigerwald, opened in 1885 — a prospect they faced following the economic decline in 2008.
“It certainly had to do with the recession,” said Steigerwald, who joined Dahlman in January. “We were looking for ways to become more efficient and team up with people in the industry with a company that we knew shared our values.”
For Steigerwald, it’s not only a new start, but also a chance to keep the spirit of his family’s work alive, possibly for the next generations of Steigerwalds and Dahlmans.
a message from the publisher of this website...
Family history has always been something that deeply intrigues me. There’s something truly special about diving into old photos—seeing the faces, places, and moments that shaped who we are today. Each snapshot tells a story, and every story connects us to a time when hard work, craftsmanship, and family values were the foundation of everything we stood for.
For me, one of the most meaningful parts of that history is Steigerwald Construction—founded in 1885. What began as the dream and determination of Ed Steigerwald has stood the test of time, becoming not only a respected name in Milwaukee’s construction history but also a cornerstone of our family’s identity. Through the years, our family has proudly built more than structures—we’ve built a legacy.
I’m especially grateful for the way Mark and Joseph Steigerwald were welcomed into Dahlman Construction, continuing the family’s tradition of integrity and excellence in craftsmanship. That partnership reflects the spirit that’s carried through generations—respect for the trade, pride in quality, and a deep sense of belonging within the community.
As you look through this collection of historic photos—ranging from the early construction days to snapshots from the 1980s through the early 2000s—I hope you’ll feel the same sense of pride and connection that I do. You’ll even see my son, John Steigerwald V, proudly holding up the original Steigerwald Construction sign that once hung above our cottage garage in Eagle River, alongside a photo of me holding the original levels used by the early days of the steigerwald construction crew.
This website is my small way of honoring the generations before us, preserving their stories, and passing that pride on to those who will come next. I hope you enjoyed looking back in time—not only to celebrate the remarkable work done since 1885—but to recognize how the Steigerwald name continues to stand for excellence, dedication, and family.
John Steigerwald IV
Visitors are encouraged to use the contact form to share their reflections, historical insights, or words of appreciation. Your message is a meaningful way to acknowledge the effort behind preserving the Steigerwald family’s history and the enduring legacy of Steigerwald Construction.
Whether you wish to extend gratitude, contribute additional information, or simply connect, your correspondence is always valued and helps keep this family story alive for future generations.
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