Steven H. Kapanke

It is with great sadness that the family of Steven H. Kapanke announces his unexpected passing on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the age of 45 years.

Born on August 13, 1972, in Watertown, SD near where his parents farmed, Steve spent his early years being a South Dakota farm kid. Baptized at St. Martins in Watertown, SD and confirmed in the faith at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in LaCrosse, WI, Steve was confident that he was a redeemed child of God.

Upon graduation from Luther High School, Steve joined the US Army and proudly served as an Army Ranger at Fort Carson, Colorado. After active duty, he joined the Iowa National Guard 194th Infantry Detachment (LRS). He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-05. Steve was a member of the Chicago Police Department for 17 years; 11 years of which he was assigned to the Chicago Police SWAT team. Steve was a graduate of Viterbo University. Long known for his love of the outdoors, sense of humor, kindness, and story-telling, Steve will be greatly missed.

Steve is survived by his father, David, daughter, Laina Grace, brother, Jason (Lorna), nephews Garrett, Jack, and Will, former wife and companion Karen, and a host of extended family and friends, including a brotherhood of fellow soldiers and police officers. Steven was predeceased by his beloved mother, Janice.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday March 17, 2018 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Crosse.  Rev. Robert Wasserman will officiate with burial in the Hamburg Lutheran Cemetery, rural Chaseburg.  A visitation will be held on Friday March 16, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.