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Obituary

Steven Harris

September 9, 2025 | 25 comments

Steven Harris, 75, of Bangor, Wisconsin, died on September 6, 2025, due to complications of dementia. He was born in Compton, California in 1950 to Gordon and Alta Marie (Swartz) Harris and moved to the La Crosse area with his mother and siblings. He attended Logan High School before going to work at Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Marie, Brothers, Richard (Archie) and Phillip (Randy-Brillo) and grandson, Jaden Fargen. He is survived by his wife, Debra, daughter, Ingrid Herken, grandchildren Tysen Herken and Sarah French, brother, Brian (Karen) Harris, sisters Judy (Duane)Hoff, Sherree (Mark) Hess and many nieces and nephews.
Steve had a great love for animals, especially horses. He was always willing to help people that needed it and expected nothing in return. He enjoyed working on the farm and listening to music in his tackhouse.
Steve will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. Whether through his quiet strength, his warm smile, or his ability to make others smile and laugh, he made a lasting impact on everyone he met. His absence will be felt profoundly by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he enriched, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Per Steve’s wishes, no services will be held, and he will rest peacefully at the farm he called home for over 50 years.
Condolences may be made by visiting CouleeCremation.com

Condolences

25 Comments

  1. Tom Fuchs

    A friend for many years. A co-worker for almost 40 years. Always enjoyed a railroad run with him. He had a unique perspective on life, a passion for his loves during the journey, which ended too soon. A special man from a great family.
    Ride Tall Hound…R.I.P.

    Reply
    • Roger A Johnson

      My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time of grief. Steve was a great friend and a great employee to work with and to listen to his stories about his family, which he was very proud of. Hound.R.I.P.. Enjoy your new journey..

      Reply
  2. Karen & Mike Hauser

    With deepest Sympathy to Deb and all of Steve’s family. Our hearts go out to all of you. May the memories of the good days and years bring you comfort. RIP Steve

    Reply
    • Patricia Downs

      Sad to hear this. He was a cowboy for sure! RIP good man. Deb, Ingrid, I am sorry for your loss.

      Reply
  3. Howard Davis

    I will truly miss you my old friend

    Reply
  4. Jeffrey Haggerty

    Always had my respect. A friend from a family of friends. Gone to soon. My condolences to the Harris family.

    Reply
  5. Barb Hurley

    I attended grade school with Steve at St James and always remember him as a kind, gentle person that always tried to make everyone laugh.

    My deepest sympathy.
    Barb Brisson Hurley

    Reply
    • Mike Coady

      Deb…we’re so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a good solid person who would make anyone proud to be his friend. He left us way too soon but look forward to the future when you’ll be reunited with Steve, his brothers and his Mother in Heaven. You have our deepest sympathies. God bless you and your family.
      Regards, Mike and Terri Coady

      Reply
  6. Ron Javner

    The class of 69 sends our condolences to you Debbie. Steve leaves special memories back in high school and after. A stone with Steve’s name on it will be placed at our memorial garden at Eagles Watch joining other classmates. Missed, but not forgotten.

    Reply
  7. GEORGE BESL

    My deepest sympathy to Deb, and the Harris family.

    Reply
  8. Jen Johnson-Shurson

    My Sincere Condolences to Debbie & Crew….

    Our lifelong friendship has created a multitude of fantastic memories. Countless hours in the saddle riding the trails or the occasional parade, offering me your years of knowledge. I will be forever grateful to you and Deb for all the ways you helped me out; your “horse whisperer” qualities and Debbie’s amazing doctoring capabilities bailed me out of yet another dilemma, typically created by bad choices on my part.

    Some of the best times I had out on the town were with you guys. Laughing and being silly, dancing horribly (& maybe a few adult beverages).

    I will miss you my friend and hearing “Adios!” whenever we parted ways.

    From the rails to the trails…
    Vaya Con Dios Cowboy Steve
    Things just won’t be the same without you.

    Reply
  9. Daniel Potaracke

    First I knew of Steve was in grade school although, he was 3 years older.
    I actually knew his wife, Debbie, that long as well.
    I think Steve was a bit of a loner and a unique person who had his mind straight in that he was himself in a good way. He had many friends because of that. I’ll always remember his voice as well and his laugh.
    I’m only one of many who will miss Steve!

    Reply
  10. Cathy &Jim Geary

    So sorry for your loss Deb always a lot of fun when you and Steve would come and visit me at Track all the fun talks about horses. He will definitely be missed He’s up there galloping on a horse in heaven now.🐴❤️

    Reply
  11. Kathy/Art Ingalls

    Dear Debbie and family I consider it a great privilege to have known and worked side by side with Steve. He always made me laugh. We pray your memories with soften your heartache.

    Reply
  12. Linda Paulson

    Dear Deb and Family
    My sincere condolences, so sorry to hear about Steve. He was just the best. Gus and I always thought so much of him. He will be missed. Take Care.

    Reply
  13. Terry Stalsberg

    Steve was a great mentor to me, a younger engineer. Tho we had a bit of an age difference we related well. Steve always spoke the truth, and always had that grin when you knew things were good. A well respected man he was. He was also a friend of the family. Condolences to all. RIP Hound…

    Reply
  14. Joe & Kathy Bartel

    Deb & family. Kathy and I would like to express our deepest condolences on Steve’s passing. He was a great friend and colleague. I had the unusual opportunity to work my first and final trips on the railroad with Steve. RIP my friend.

    Reply
  15. Holly Smith

    Deb, Ingrid and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have known Steve since we were very young and remember him being at horse shows. He always had a warm smile to greet everyone. I also remember him taking Ingrid Roller skating when she was a little girl. He had such a soft and quiet way with horses. He trained a few at my barn he was a true cowboy! Rest easy now, Steve.❤️

    Reply
  16. Dr. Mark, DC

    Deb, so sorry to see this. I enjoyed Steve very much. I’m sure that the last few months and years have been challenging for you and your family.

    Reply
  17. Gene & Pam Larson

    We are saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. We will always remember the good times we enjoyed with him. He will be missed by many. Our condolences to Deb and his family.

    Reply
  18. Dan Marcou

    Growing up on the North side I remember Steve being kind to younger kids and to us younger kids he was an Icon we strived to emulate.

    As an adult he was a hard working family man, who proved to be worthy of our youthful admiration.

    To Deb Brian and all Steve’s family you have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers.

    May God embrace Steve and give him wings.

    Reply
  19. Ken Birnbaum

    My condolences to the entire family, I have knowen most of them since they moved to La Crosses Northside. I do not remember how he got his nick name (hound) I always called him (hound dog) he was a fun guy who could make anyone laugh, he will be missed.

    Reply
  20. Steve & Sherie Holzhausen

    So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I have many fond memories walking by the farm pushing a stroller when the kids were little and stopping to pet the horses and talk. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.

    Reply
  21. James Shoults

    Condolences from a fellow railroader who always enjoyed working with Steve.

    Reply
  22. Jackie Bachmann

    So sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him when he came for a chiropractic appointment.
    He will be missed.
    Jackie Bachmann

    Reply

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