Steven Joseph Fuchsteiner

Steven Joseph Fuchsteiner, 81, passed away on December 15, 2025, in Galesville, Wisconsin. Born on April 23, 1944, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Steve lived a life marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a spirited sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him.

Steve graduated from Aquinas High School in 1962 and briefly attended the University of La Crosse. Though his academic tenure was short—he often joked that he majored in card playing—it reflected his lifelong love for camaraderie and good-natured competition.

His professional journey began at Ziebell’s grocery store shortly after high school. With determination and a strong work ethic, Steve rose through the ranks to become the store manager at Skogen’s in Holmen. He later brought his talents to Festival Foods, where he worked for many years in the deli and meat departments. After retiring from the grocery business, Steve remained active in merchandising roles with Kenrich, Nabisco and other companies. His commitment to quality service and friendly demeanor left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

To his children, Steve was a man whose firm exterior belied a deeply tender heart. Some even referred to him as an “iron marsh mellow”. To his grandchildren, he was the beloved tickle monster whose laughter filled every room he entered. His playful sass often got him into trouble—trouble he accepted with a grin—but it was also part of what made him so cherished by those around him.

Above all else, Steve was devoted to his wife Judy - his “Polish Princess”- with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Together they raised three children: Amy Fuchsteiner; Ellyn Fuchsteiner and her husband Bill Groth; and Christopher Fuchsteiner and his wife Betsy. His legacy continues through his seven grandchildren: Aeden (27), Gavin (23), Callan (20), and Rowynn (17) Groth, and Addelyn (13), Wyatt (10), and Mya (7) Fuchsteiner, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Steve’s memory is cherished by his siblings Marguerite Gonzales; Sara Holznecht and her husband Robin; Maripat Coughlin; in-laws Julie Fuchsteiner, Tom and Jane Steidl, Cathy and Greg Engen, Shifty (Jeff) Schaller and Bonnie Steidl and cousins, nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Delores and Alphonse Fuchsteiner; his brother Michael Fuchsteiner; and in-laws Timothy Coughlin, Steve and Diane Steidl, Josie Schaller and Mark Steidl.

The family would like to thank the Onalaska YMCA, the Giving Hearts Choir and Oasis for the spirit and joy that they brought to Steve’s life in his final years. They would also like to thank Emplify Health and Marinuka Manor for their kindness and support in Steve’s final weeks.

A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, December 19th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska. Friends and family are invited to memorial luncheon at the Onalaska Omni Center, 255 Rider’s Club Road, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The family will have a private entombment at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, the Coulee Region Giving Hearts Choir, Oasis Respite (through Causeway Caregivers), or a charity of choice.

A kind and generous spirit with an unmistakable spark, Steve’s warmth will be missed but never forgotten. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.