Steven "Hoot" M. Kallenbach

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of “Hoot” Steven Mark Kallenbach. He was born in La Crosse, Wis., to William and Arlene (Hohlfeld) Kallenbach on November 14, 1956. Steve passed away from complications from an ATV Accident & AITL on Thursday June 12, 2025.

He married the love of his life Tina Buchanan on September 21, 2020.

He graduated from Central High in 1975; this year would be his 50th class Reunion. He was an avid sportsman playing football & running track. He furthered his education at WWTI- welding program. He became a Steamfitter local 31, working for Hengel Brothers. He was a steamfitter for the Alaskan Pipeline for 1 day short of a year in 1977 and there were stories to be told.

Hoot had some fun pets, including an alligator, Gophers, and his favorite Raccoons.

Hoot will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and quick wit, made up songs & his Personal letters/cards to family & friends (if you know you know). There was no doubt that he was the funniest guy, with awesome stories.

Hoot was generous with his time and would do anything for anyone, at a cost of talking, he loved to talk, and he loved people. He loved to help solve the world’s problems and he was colorful.

He loved being outdoors. Fishing, Trapping & Hunting was his life, next to traveling the world or skiing with his daughters! He loved Asia, his favorites Vietnam, Hanoi, Europe, Sweden, where our 2nd family Jonas & Ida-Linn Nazelius are from.

He was very Talented, Creative, and could do anything!!! He built his own home, he restored several vehicles, his favorite was Patience, his 68 Camero, he still has 4-Play, his Willy’s Jeep and The Hilton, his Dodge panel truck.

Hoot started his Commercial fishing business at the age of 11 with his brother Bill, in a stainless steel rowboat. Over the course of Hoot’s 40+ year partnership with John Bruring, they constructed all their fishing boats custom to their operation and were discussing fishing plans year-round. Despite the difficulties, Hoot remained committed to his mission and tirelessly worked to clean up the lakes, struggling against the DNR’s lack of action. Hoot’s passion and dedication were truly remarkable, and his efforts deserve recognition and appreciation, he was the voice of the people involved.

Hoot’s creative abilities were endless, and he left an indelible mark on his property with the assistance of his Little Buddy Todd Stonedahl. The backyard was transformed into a beautiful oasis, featuring his artwork, landscapes and ponds, that brought tranquility to the space. Being able to entertain family & guests was an added bonus, but the goal was to make it into the ideal homestead where his wife, Tina and he could enjoy nature and living off the land.

Hoots family meant the world to him, especially his brothers, Bill, the Irish Twin, always there to lend a hand and Mark always cooking the fish fry for family gatherings. He loved being a grandpa to his 7 grandchildren and he couldn’t get enough of them!

He is survived by his wife, Tina; Daughters Nicole (Jamin) Ramsay, Jennifer (Scott) and Amy (Ian), stepchildren Max (Lauren) McKenna, Eric (Andrea) McKenna and Cassandra (Joe) McKenna-Dausey. Brothers Bill, (Cindy) and Mark (Shelley). Mother in-law Judy Buchanan. Grand Children Bane & Vera Ramsay, Trent Perkins, Pierce & Parker McKenna, Dillinger & Violet McKenna-Dausey. Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

He is preceeded in death by his Parents, William & Arlene Kallenbach, Father-in-Law, Robert Buchanan, many Aunts and Uncles.

To Honor Steve’s wishes, A celebration of life for everyone will take place on Saturday, July 12th, 2025 from 2-6 pm at Mt La Crosse Ski, W5549 Old Town Rd, La Crosse, WI 54658. The service will include a eulogy and prayers at 3pm, followed by food. A private burial will be later.

In lieu of flowers or memorials please think of him and smile or bring your stories to his celebration of life.

A big Thank you to Dr Thomas Habermann, his nurse Ruth, and his team for caring for my husband at Mayo in Rochester.