Obituary
John W. Steers
On Monday, February 24, 2014, John rode off into the sunset, ending his 5 year battle with prostate cancer.
He is survived by his best friend and wife, Christine Henson, children, Samantha (Bill) Schott, Nathan (Allison) Steers, and Autumn Steers. Step children Sarah Artz, Zachary Artz, Jacob Schulman, and Aaron Swan. Grandchildren, JR, Tyler, Monica, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Jaxson, Kaleb and Abigail. His mother, Donna Steers, and father and mother-in-law James and Suzan Henson. Siblings Mark (Francis) Steers, Pat (Julie) Steers, Paul Steers, Randy Steers, Bill Steers, Leroy Steers, Debra Louzon; half sister-in-law, Anne Steers. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Steers, grandparents Dorothy and Louis Steers, and grandmother Marie Brasda; half brother, Eugene “Dale” Steers.
John was born in Mindoro, Wisconsin and always enjoyed the area. He left immediately after high school to serve in the US Navy, and later the US Army. There, he developed his passion for law enforcement and technology. He worked many jobs until he ws hired in 1994 as the La Crosse County Chief Medical Examiner. It was a position John excelled at, bringing many improvements to the department. He constantly advocated for rights of those passed on and brought dignity, truth and science to the death investigation work he did. John was also instrumental in educating the public on the growing effects of alcohol and drug use in the county. He stepped down as Chief in April 2013, as his health declined.
John’s passion for life and living life to the fullest was infectious in anyone he met. There were no strangers in John’s life, making friends in all that he did. He loved family, motorcycles, outdoors, telling jokes, traveling and eating out, and took every chance he got to enjoy them all.
He was an active member in ABATE, and Blue Knights motorcycle group.
He served on the La Crosse Drug and Alcohol task force, Child Fatality Review team, ABMDI standards of Death Investigation, and WCMEA.
A celebration of John’s Life will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 7:30 PM at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. The Rev. Mark Clements will officiate. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Motorcycle attire will not be frowned upon!
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to offset medical costs. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
I was saddened to hear of Johns passing. I attended school with him. His old classmates were very proud of the position he held in the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He achieved so much in his life and will be remembered in death.
I was in company 132 us navy rtc great Lakes may 76 to august 76 with jw steers…than at ntc san diego with John also. I would like to offer my belated condolences. It’s been 40 year’s since boot camp i still remember all the times John n i had in the Navy. He became a very distinguished citizen of Wisconsin n for that and his military service i am very proud to have served with him. KC Johnson Past State Commander Disabled American Veterans Dept of Wisconsin