Ralph Edward Steele, lovingly known as the “Man of Steele,” left this earthly world and passed through the gates of paradise on August 14, 2026, at the age of 80.

Ralph was born on May 31, 1946, in Waukon, Iowa, to Ralph “Philly” and Irene Steele. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon and later moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked at Collins Radio. When his father opened a meat market, Ralph returned home to Waukon and became a butcher.

Then, on one beautiful November night in 1967, Ralph attended a dance at Matter’s Ballroom in Decorah, Iowa, where he met the woman he would forever call his “only one,” Patricia Bockman. They fell in love almost immediately. Patricia remembers him as kind, gentle, respectful—and full of kisses. The rest, as they say, is a beautiful love story.

Ralph and Patricia were married on April 4, 1970, in Festina, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered around family and raised four children: Renee Marie, Paula Jo, John Austin, and Anthony Michael.

Some of their happiest memories were made outdoors. The family spent countless weekends camping, relaxing on sandbars, and enjoying the rivers. Ralph loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter.

In 1979, Ralph and his family moved to Brice Prairie in Onalaska, Wisconsin, where he had access to about as much fishing as a man could ask for. He became a member of the Brice Prairie Conservation Association and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ralph worked for Brickl Brothers before finding what became his longtime career as a welder with Trane Company. His working years came to an unexpected end in 2004 when he suffered a devastating stroke that left him paralyzed and unable to speak.

The stroke changed the course of Ralph and Patricia’s lives and the plans they had made for their future, but it never took away Ralph’s determination. He never stopped working toward greater independence or trying to communicate. Together, Ralph and Patricia made the decision to continue living life as fully as possible.

And they did.

They continued making yearly trips to Colorado to visit their children and grandchildren. They spent 14 winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, where they made many wonderful friends and created years of treasured memories.

Through all the challenges he faced, Ralph remained the “Man of Steele.” His strength was not simply in what he endured, but in the way he continued to live, love, travel, laugh, and enjoy the people around him.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; daughter Paula Jo Jaconetta; sons John (Whitney) Steele and Anthony Steele; and five grandchildren, Xzavier, Alexa, Lupita, Luciano, and Weston.

He is also survived by his sisters, Vicky (Mark) Vick and Lori (Dan) Treangen; brothers, Ron (Kay) Steele, Randy (Theresa) Steele, and Rick (Sheila) Steele; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo (David) Sterling, Leon (Gloria) Bockman, Jane Bullerman, Steve Bockman, Tom (Teresa) Bockman, Faye Bockman, Mark (Penny) Bockman, and Mike (Dominique) Bockman, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph “Philly” and Irene Steele; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Rosemary Bockman; his beloved daughter, Renee; sisters Ann and Marge; brother Robert; brother-in-law Leon Bullerman; sister-in-law Janet Bockman; nephews Eric Steele and Cory Bullerman; and great-niece Emma Smith.

Ralph lived 80 years filled with family, hard work, rivers, fishing, travel, friendship, perseverance, and above all, love. His life was forever changed by adversity, but it was never defined by it.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many people fortunate enough to have been loved by the Man of Steele.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2026, at The Myrick Park Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601.

In lieu of flower, please do a donation in Ralph’s name to his favorite charities: Brice Prairie Conservation Association or The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.