Stephen James Moede

Stephen James Moede passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 29, 2025 while doing his life's work-video production and commercial editing. He was incredibly strong in body, mind and spirit until the very end.

Stephen was born in Basel, Switzerland on January 23, 1962. He spent his early childhood in southern Wisconsin and the rest of his youth in Geneva, Switzerland. His later formative years were spent in Montgomery Township, New Jersey. In those locations, he learned to speak French, a smattering of German and the local dialects of Wisconsin and New Jersey. 

After high school, he attended Glassboro State College in New Jersey, then moved to Wisconsin to attend UW Platteville and UW Stevens Point, graduating with a degree in Communication and Media Arts. After school, he established himself as a videographer and commercial editor.

Stephen started as a technical director for the CBS affiliate WSAW-7 in Wausau and later directed for the NBC affiliate WMTV in Madison. He also did commercial video work for ProVideo in Madison. Eventually he enjoyed creative freedom when he and associate Bill Jones, co-founded their business, Golden Icon. 

Stephen was a musician/trumpeter, an avid reader, history buff, genealogist, collector, train and classic car aficionado, mechanical hackster, and talented punster. His children, who were the apple of his eye, tolerated with humor his often corny but thoughtful jokes.

 He savored the finer things in life such as gourmet coffee and croissants, fresh oysters, robust red wine, imported aged cheese, and a special Hmong hot sauce which he shared with hesitant or appreciative friends and family. For relaxation, Steve often enjoyed watching vintage sitcoms, laughing at the old jokes even if he'd heard them dozens of times before.

In 1988, Stephen married Luanne Lehman and together they raised two children, Marlaine and Garritt Moede. In 2022, he married Karen Larson and together they joined forces to create a blended family.

Stephen is survived by his wife Karen Larson, daughter Marlaine Moede (Lazarus German), son Garritt Moede (Gianna Lucci), mother Elizabeth Moede, brother Mark Moede (Mary White), sister Michèle Moede, stepdaughter Kara Larson Seiffert (David Seiffert), stepson Grant (Michelle) Larson, stepson Greg Larson, and step grandchildren Brayden, Natalie, Leah and Leighton. He is also survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and brothers/sisters-in-law.

Stephen was preceded in death by his sister Kerry Moede and his father Gerald Moede.

A service to celebrate his life will take place at Pilgrim Lutheran Church at 709 Weston Avenue in Wausau, Wisconsin on Sunday November 2nd (note Daylight Savings Time).

There will be a visitation which will start at 12:30 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm and then a coffee hour following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Public Radio, Hart Equine Therapeutic Center (in Auburndale, Wis.) and the American Cancer Society.

Stephen's final resting place will be alongside his family at Lakeside Cemetery in Waupaca, Wisconsin.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you" Walt Whitman

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