Tom Steiner, WS (2)

Students Remember Wauwatosa West Principal

Mon Nov 21, 5:46 PM ET

Monday was the first day back to school for Wauwatosa West High School students after learning of the recent death of their school principal.

Tom Steiner died Friday after he was diagnosed with the West Nile virus four weeks ago.

He was the second to die from West Nile virus so in the state of Wisconsin this year.

Steiner was 56 years old and had been at Wauwatosa West for the past five years. Senior David Kruse told WISN 12 News that Steiner was well liked.

He shared a favorite memory about when Steiner came to his rescue.

"Sophomore year, I didn't have any lunch money, so I asked Mr. Steiner, 'Can I borrow some lunch money?' He hands me a $5 bill and says, 'Keep the change.' That's just just cool. I don't care who you are, that's neat. I tried to pay him back the next day and he wouldn't take the money back," Wauwatosa West student David Kruse said.

Green ribbons were handed out to students and faculty in honor and remembrance of Steiner.

Other students paid tribute to their principal publicly on a rock on the front lawn.

Visitation for Steiner will be Friday from 3 p.m..-8 p.m.at Schmidt and Bartelt in Wauwatosa.

The funeral will be on Saturday at St. Bernard's.