Sally Pianalto

Sally Pianalto, born Sally Ann Steinhagen, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, at the age of 96.

Born in Cudahy in 1930 and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Sally graduated from Wauwatosa East High School before attending Marquette University, where she was a member of Chi Sigma Chi sorority. After graduating with a degree in Social Work, she moved to the West Coast for her first job with St. Vincent de Paul. In February of 1963, she met Abe Pianalto at a Catholic Alumni Singles Mixer in San Francisco; four months later, they were married. Together, they moved to the East Bay area, where they raised their four children.

Sally was a devoted wife and loving mother who gave generously of her time to her children and their many interests. She drove them to the unending sports practices, music lessons, and school activities, and was always there to support them and cheer them on.

Sally was also a very social person who treasured her many friendships and enjoyed being involved in her community. She loved watching and cheering for the Oakland A’s and the Raiders with Abe and was a loyal Packers fan, of course. She participated in book clubs, Catholic clubs, the Holy Niners golf group, and knitting and sewing clubs, and she maintained friendships with childhood friends well into her 90s. She especially loved playing cards. Even just a few weeks before her passing, Sally was still enjoying card games with family.

At the age of 92, Sally returned to Milwaukee, where she spent her final years surrounded by family and the connections and memories that had meant so much to her throughout her life.

Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Abe Pianalto, in 2017; her parents, Gustave and Irene Steinhagen; her brother, Peter Steinhagen; her sister, Susan Gustafson; and her niece, Kathryn Nevis.

She is survived by her children, Gina (Glenn) May, John (Kerri) Pianalto, Mary (Colin) Clampett, and Anna Pianalto; her six grandchildren; her sister, Marian Nevis; her sister-in-law, Sheila Steinhagen; her brother-in-law, Richard Gustafson; and her nine nieces and nephews.

Sally will be remembered for her love of family, her lifelong friendships, her warm and social nature, her sense of humor, her strong Catholic faith, and the happiness she found at the family cottage on Lake Michigan. The cottage held a special place in her heart, filled with memories of family and the beauty of the lake, and was one of the places where Sally felt happiest and most at home. She passed this love for the lake and for family on to her children, and the memories she created there will remain a treasured part of her family’s story and a lasting reminder of a life well lived.

A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, August 17th at 11 AM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 5400 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee.