Steven M. Beranek

Steven Mark Beranek, 54, of La Crosse died peacefully Jan 14, 2016, after fighting his battle with cancer. He was born on Jan 8, 1962, to James & Beverly (Owen) Beranek. He graduated from Logan High School in 1980, and was employed with the Onalaska school district since 1990, currently working at Irving Pertzsch Elementary School. For the past 25 years, Steve was a trustworthy dedicated employee who also had the necessary and rewarding job duties of; staff and faculty counselor, partner in crime, sir fix a lot, wingman, a smiling face, glitter patrol, brother figure and a very, very dear friend.

Steve was a die-hard Green Bay Packer, Wisconsin Badger and Milwaukee Brewer fan. The ESPN channel was the constant entertainment in his home. He loved spending time with his family and friends, having an ice cold Miller High Life, enjoying the sunshine while putzing in the garage or garden while listening to classic rock, grilling steaks or ordering from T Jo’s if it got “too late”. He always enjoyed a good card game and a visit here and there to a local casino for some blackjack with shake of the day scheduled at his bar in the basement after work for many years. If you couldn’t find Steve at home or work, the next best place to look was the boathouse. If you knew Steve, you knew about the boathouse. He loved to sit with family and friends, listening to music, throwing a pole out to see what was biting, and grabbing his binoculars for the frequent “bird” watching that he kept up on “See how you are”.

Steve is survived by; brother Dave Beranek of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sisters, Trudy (Gene) Mason of Sarona, WI and Becky Wapp (Tom) Sawyer of Dresbach, MN; nephews, Mathew (Melissa) Sawyer of La Crosse and Zachary Beranek of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nieces, Tiffany (Rob) Bean of Holmen, WI and Nicole (Ryan Pelowski) Sawyer of Trempealeau, WI; great nephews and nieces, Phillip and Lauren Sawyer and Mason and Kallie Bean. He was preceded in death by his father James Beranek (1979), his Mother Beverly Engler (2010) and his brother David Wapp (1981).

A memorial service will be held on Jan 21, 4:00pm at French Island Cemetery on Lakeshore Dr. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held immediately following service until 8 pm at Celebrations on the River at 2100 Dawson Ave, French Island. All are encouraged to wear sports related apparel in honor of Steve’s passion (especially Packers, Badgers & Brewers). Please come share with his family and friends your memories of good times and laughter.

No flowers please, memorials may be given to Irving Pertzsch Elementary School.