Robert A Steiger

Robert A. Steiger, age 72, of La Crosse died in his home on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Robert A. Steiger, 72, of La Crosse passed away peacefully Sunday, July 14, 2013 at his home. He fought a long courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Bob was born in La Crosse to Alfred and Florence (Williams) Steiger on November 20, 1940. He graduated from West Salem High School in 1958. Then June 20th of 1959 he was united in marriage to Catherine C. Johnson at the First Presbyterian Church in Bangor. They were married for 51 years and had 4 children. Bob was Baptized and Confirmed at St. Johns United Church of Christ and remained a very active member all his life serving on the Consistory board several times. He served as president 3 times. Bob got his first guitar when he was 7 years old. While taking guitar lessons he met Catherine. Together they would play guitar "Live" on the radio KWNO in Winona. They also played at the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium and Catherine would sing. Bob proudly owned and played a 1957 L5 Gibson double pick up guitar. He played lead guitar in the band The Cabaleros and they played at the 3 deuces, wedding receptions, and parties. He also played in his dads polka band. In his early employment years Bob worked for Williams Construction. He was also a milk man for Sanitary Dairy. He then became a semi-truck driver and drove semi for 30 years for Skokie Valley, Southwest Beer Dist., and Earl Bonsack. After retiring from truck driving Bob was a mechanic at Steiger Power Sports for 8 years. Bob was a very talented natural mechanic and could fix anything. He enjoyed restoring several International and Farmall tractors including an Oliver 77. He enjoyed spending his free time on the Steiger Home Farm enjoying the planting and harvest seasons and driving his tractors. Bob loved taking his family out on the Mississippi river with his boat. He had a special place in his heart for dachshund dogs. His last dog was Benji, a faithful companion. He loved his Lincoln cars and owned 11 in his lifetime. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Catherine and his sister-in-law Marietta Steiger. His survivors include 4 children Robert Scott (Joan) of La Crescent, Carol (Gary) Kasten of La Crescent Randy of Stoddard, Rodney (Juliet) of LaCrosse; Brothers Kenneth (Kay) Steiger of La Crosse, Roger (Phyllis) Steiger of Stewartville, MN; his best friend Cal Grosskopf; sister-in-law Sylvia Berg; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews. A special Thank You to my children who gave me the gift of being able to stay in my home during my illness with their love and support, understanding, patience and caring. Especially to my daughter Carol, whom was by my side almost every day. I thank her husband Gary for being so understanding and allowing her to care for me for the last three years. My main caregivers were Caryn, Kathy, and Sherry for giving me memories, laughter and quality of life. I love you all. The family would also like to thank Hospice for all their care and support. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at St. Johns United Church of Christ, 630 West Avenue South, in La Crosse. Pastor John Parkyn will officiate. Friends may call on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.