Steve was born 22 November 1941 in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa. He was the son of Stephen Walter Wahrer and Mariana Mae Strube.
Steve married Lucille Margaret Aanonson 21 December 1963 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. They later divorced. She survives.
Steve married LaVonne Barbara Boehnen 21 December 1971 in Pennington, South Dakota. They divorced 28 February 1980 in Anoka County, Minnesota. She survives.
Steve passed away 21 January 1989 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Hennepin County, Minnesota from throat cancer. He was buried 26 January 1989 at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Prior to his final illness, his career, as a musician, has taken him to an appearance on "American Bandstand" where, his group, The Trashmen, played their No. 4 hit in 1963, "Surfin' Bird".
Rock Musician. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wahrer was the drummer and a vocalist for the music group, The Trashmen. Formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1962, the other members included lead guitarist Tony Andreason, guitarist and vocalist Dal Winslow, and bassist Bob Reed. They were known for their styles of Rock & Roll, Surf, Garage Rock, and Frat Rock music. Formerly known as Jim Thaxter & The Travelers, they recorded the single, "Sally Jo/"Cyclone", before changing there name. Their many reordings include, "Sleeper", "Dancin' With Santa", "Kuk", "Bird Bath", "Misirlou", "King Of The Surf", "Henrietta", "Tube City", "Real Live Doll", " My Woodie", "Money (That's What I Want)", and "Whoa! Dad", but they are probably best known for their 1964 hit single, "Surfin' Bird." The song landed on the Top Ten music charts and became the group's biggest hit. The group disbanded in 1967 and pursued other options, but got back together in the 1980s. Wahrer continued his career in music with both the Trashmen and a variety of other music groups in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, until his death from throat cancer at the age of 47.
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Categories: Rock Musicians | Drummers | Notables