Stephen Cahalan

1952 - 2025

Stephen Gerard Cahalan, age 73, beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025, at his home.

Visitation was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, at St. Joseph Church of Epiphany Parish in Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services followed at the church at 10:30, with the Reverend David O'Connor serving as celebrant. Steve was laid to rest alongside his beloved parents and brother at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.

Steve was born in Mason City on June 25, 1952, to overjoyed parents Emerson and Rosemary Cahalan. Over the next seven years, he was joined by his brother Bill, his sister Rosann, and his sister Chris. The Cahalans became a happy farm family blessed by deep love for one another.

Steve graduated from Newman High School in Mason City in 1970. After studies at NIACC, he transferred to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1974.

Soon he was hard at work at the University of Missouri, studying journalism which would give him so much pleasure for years to come. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1976 at Mizzou.

All of Steve's working life brought him great pleasure and satisfaction. He joined the Clinton Herald in 1976, where he formed lifelong bonds with colleagues. In 1979, he left for the Decatur Herald and Review, where he covered farm and business news for fifteen years. He was persuaded in 1994 to give three years to the Montana Standard in Butte, but he made it clear that his time there would be brief, as his family came first.

In 1997, Steve joined the team at the La Crosse Tribune in the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. It was in La Crosse that he met and married his cherished wife, Sally. Steve and Sally completed their family with the adoption of their daughter Susan in 2007 and their son Joey in 2008, both from Guatemala. The joy these beautiful children have given to Steve and Sally is immeasurable.

Steve is survived by his wife and soulmate Sally, his sparkling daughter Susan, and his brilliant son Joey. Steve was an exemplary father – kind, patient, gentle, encouraging. Despite our tears, these kids will undoubtedly carry forward his legacy of kindness. Steve is also survived by his sisters Rosann Boyle of Mason City and Chris Ressler (John) of Florida; nephew John (Krysia) Ressler, Jr., of Illinois and their daughters Lilly and Violet; nephew Tim Ressler of Florida; niece Mindy (Joel) Heinz and their daughters Natalie and Adeline of Cedar Falls, Iowa; nephew David Boyle of Des Moines, Iowa; sister-in-law Jane (John) Gockel of Missouri; their son Matthew (Michelle) Gockel and children Myles and Mila, also of Missouri.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Emerson and Rosemary Cahalan; by his much-loved brother Bill; by his brother-in-law Mark Boyle; and his mother-in-law Alice Irvine of Missouri.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to next-door neighbors Peter and Susan Clements of La Crosse, who have given great comfort to Sally, Susan, and Joey since the day of loss, and for being treasured friends and neighbors every day for the past 26 years.

A memorial service for Steve will be held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at a date to be announced. For those who wish to honor Steve:

The family will establish a scholarship for journalism at Central High School in La Crosse, where Steve and Sally's children attended. Information on the scholarship will be available at the memorial service to take place in La Crosse during the coming weeks.

The Salvation Army, The National Park Service Conservation Association, or your local food bank or animal shelter.

Steve lived his life with joy and compassion, and his family hope that memories of him will bring comfort and pleasure to all those remember him. Rest well, our dearest Steve -- much missed, always remembered, forever loved.