Steven L. Esser

Steven L. Esser, 55 of Onalaska, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Sylvan Crossing Memory Care in Stevens Point following complications of a stroke.

He was born September 18, 1969, in Iowa to Jack and Beulah (Haney) Esser and graduated from Onalaska High School. Steve completed his education with a degree in electronics from Wisconsin School of Electronics in Madison and finished his journeyman electrician degree at Western Technical College in La Crosse.

Steve worked several years at Trane Company in La Crosse as a journeyman electronic electrician. He had been working for Nelson global in Viroqua at the time of his debilitating stroke.

Steve had enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time on the river, hanging out with friends and family, as well as tinkering. He was quick witted and loved playing practical jokes.

Steve is survived by his three sisters; Chris Esser and Cathy (Jim) Butterfield of Holmen and Linda McMichael of Osceola, IN; nieces and nephews, Rachel Hanson, Jacob (Steph) Hanson, Alison (fiancé, Tristan Schmidtknecht) Butterfield, Morgan Butterfield, Alexis (Will) Reese, Andrew dunning, Carol (Brandon) Slabaugh, and Erica (William) Schott; great- nieces and nephews; One aunt and one uncle Bev and Ron Esser of Eldridge, IA. He is further survived by many good friends with a special shoutout to Ken Bathke and Brian Hafner

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law, Chris McMichael along with several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Taelor and Chaplain Joe with St. Croix hospice and Whitney and her staff at Sylvan for their care. Treating him as family and putting up with his sometimes “off- color” remarks. Special thanks to Steph for never leaving his bedside on his last night.

Steve would never forgive us if we failed to mention his angel, Donna Ruffner. Steve was like a second son to her. Donna’s multiple weekly visits for church, dice, cribbage, crafts, and field trips were appreciated. She was also our eyes and ears when we couldn’t be there for him. Her friendship was invaluable to Steve, and he loved her. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of Onalaska, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 10 am until the time of the service. Fr. Brian D. Konopa will be officiating. Burial will take place in the Onalaska City Cemetery.