Steve Jerome La Cosse

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.