Mueller Funeral Home

Steven Jerome La Cosse

03/05/1966 - 11/08/2025

Steven Jerome La Cosse, age 59 of Milwaukee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from complications of a stroke.

He was born in 1966 in Kenosha, WI to Jerome “Jerry” and Carolyn (Pivovar) La Cosse, the first of their three boys. Steve grew up in Winneconne and attended Winneconne High School. After graduation in 1984 he proudly served in the United States Navy Reserve, stationed in Hawaii. His time in the service shaped his lifelong sense of discipline, humor, and loyalty.

Following his service, Steve attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where in 1990 he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Business Management. In 1993 he married Ginger Gunderson and during their 19 years of marriage were blessed with a son Luke and a daughter Gabrielle. Steve was a wonderful father and was incredibly proud to be their dad. He enjoyed teaching them how power tools worked by providing them with hands-on demonstrations. Steve went on to build his career in the power tool and fastening industry as an outside sales representative. His charismatic personality allowed him to develop many close relationships which lead to much success in his career.

In 2015 he met his love, Sara Johnson. Together they built a wonderful life in Milwaukee, WI enjoying cycling and hanging out with friends and family. They started a new tradition of taking road trips to Virginia for family Thanksgiving celebrations and an annual bike ride, always making fun stops along the Bourbon Trail. One of their most meaningful trips was joining his dad Jerry, on a trip to Quebec to trace La Cosse family ancestry.

Outside of work, Steve was passionate about cycling and was a beloved member of his weekly bike group, where he made some of his closest friends. Among his proudest accomplishments was completing the Ride Across Wisconsin, more than once. Fear of possible injuries never held him back, which earned him the nickname of “Stuntman Steve” among his friends. He will be deeply missed on weekly rides and post-ride beers, where his laughter and storytelling were a constant presence.

He loved spending time with his family. Some of the best memories were made on Sundays during the Packers season, while laughing, cheering, eating and simply enjoying being together.

Steve is survived by his two children who were his pride and joy, Steven Luke La Cosse, of Menasha, WI and Gabrielle “Gabi” La Cosse, of Bozeman, MT; his loving partner, Sara Johnson; his father, Jerome “Jerry” La Cosse, of Winneconne, WI; and his brothers, Jeff (Kelley) La Cosse, Oshkosh; Craig (Heidi) La Cosse, of Richmond, VA; and special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn La Cosse; a cousin and aunts and uncles.

Those who knew Steve will remember his sharp sense of humor, his ability to make anyone laugh, and the joy he spread everywhere.

His presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne. A visitation for friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 12:00 noon at the church with Father Ben Pribbenow and Deacon Paul Vidmar officiating.

Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.

Guestbook

Carol Kunde-Luedtke wrote on November 18, 2025
We were classmates, Steve and I had lockers next to each other for many years, borrow pencils... even then Steve was a "jokester" always bringing laughter. To the Family of Steve...I send my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ??

Justin Prusi wrote on November 17, 2025
Steve would call on our account in the Upper Peninsula as a Metabo rep. We bonded over our mutual love of cycling, and would sometimes ride together when business was done. These rides typically turned more adventurous than planned, but Steve's sense of humor always carried the day. Though I no longer work at that account, he and I would still get together when he was in town or we'd text to talk biking. My condolences to his family and his friends. Special condolences also to his cycling community. His loss will be deeply felt on every ride.

David Hamer wrote on November 17, 2025
Steve and I worked together but further than that, Steve was a friend. I'll miss the calls late Friday afternoons as he seemed he had to let me know he was still working! Rest in Peace my friend. Cheers LAX.

Janet Kunde (zeinert) wrote on November 17, 2025
So sorry for the loss. We just had our 40 year class of '84 reunion last year, and Steve was his same ol' self. Very warm and friendly. With a bit of goofy. May the family remember all the great memories that were created in the past 59 years. 'Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal ?? Love leaves a memory no one can steal '

Willy Wachtveitl wrote on November 16, 2025
First thing that came too my mind was meeting at the La Cosse house every morning before school. There are so many found memories growing up with both Jeff and Steve. The trouble the three of us caused, only we know and will remember. God bless the La Crosse family and friends. Let this be a reminder that life is short.

Todd Krebs wrote on November 15, 2025
I remember Steve as a high school classmate that I enjoyed having as a teammate several times. We often had a good view of the games together. He was such a positive person that made practices more enjoyable as well. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family, friends. Prayers tonight for his dad, who I remember well from Cub Scouts.

Keri Miller wrote on November 14, 2025
I will never think of Steve " Frenchy" without picturing his warm smile and hearing his infectious laugh. From the day Sara introduced us, he felt like and old pal and definitely made life more fun. Thank you for including me; always adding in a joke or a goofy, fun spin on the conversation. Your words of wisdom will never be forgotten. Countless times I've called you a Hoot! Your energy and fun-loving vibes will be missed by ALL who knew you, stories will live on, and people will wish they knew you! THANK YOU for taking such good care of my dear friend Sara in so many ways; By loving her as deeply as you did and being her hardest rock and biggest cheerleader. You brought so many wonderful things to each other's lives! RIP Frenchy Stuntman Steve O You will be missed.

Kemocka Hamilton wrote on November 13, 2025
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Steve was a wonderful person and colleague who touched many lives with their warmth and dedication. They will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with your family during this time of sorrow.

Susan Spence (Larson) wrote on November 13, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Steve’s expected passing . I’ll always remember our neighborhood escapades- the La Cosse family brought us all such joy and laughter. I pray that the LORD comforts your family as you grieve the loss of Steve. Know that you are in my prayers.

Steve Ponec wrote on November 13, 2025
I worked with Steve for the last 4 years at Metabo. He was a great friend, he did good work, and always had a stupid joke on hand to liven up any situation. He will be missed by all who got to know him. Rest easy buddy. Be good!

Sign Guestbook

We screen all comments out of consideration for the families and friends of the departed.