"Hi Margie. All of my sympathy for you and family. I was hoping to get to Madison this weekend. But family issues here kept me in Milw. Blessings for you today, tomorrow and the future. "
Coons, Steven R.
Middleton: Steven R. Coons, age 63, passed away Monday, March 11, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. He was born October 2, 1955 in Elmhurst, IL the son of Richard and Barbara (Hirt) Coons. Steven was united in marriage to Marjorie Joosse September 12, 1992. Steve received an undergraduate degree from DePauw University where he majored in economics, and minored in religious studies. He later received his masters degree from Ohio University in economics.
Steve grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL. He moved to Madison in 1980 and worked for the WI Department of Transportation for over 30 years as a planner, supervisor and planning chief. He met his wife Margie on a blind date in 1991. They were married in 1992 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Steve was an active member of the church where he served as deacon, elder and adult education committee chair. He was active with the Guatemala Mission Team, having travelled on 3 mission trips. For 10 years, Steve, Margie and Lauren together coordinated, prepared and served bi-monthly meals for the Grace Episcopal homeless shelter. He was a member of the Covenant Circle of Support through Madison Urban Ministry, providing counselling and support to returning prisoners.
Steve was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 22 and was on dialysis for 20 years. He received a kidney transplant in 1997 that allowed him to lead a more normal active life for 18 years and allowed him to travel abroad, including travel to China to adopt their daughter Lauren. Steve was an avid tennis player, music lover, gardener, car enthusiast, and lifelong Chicago sports fan.
Steve was a compassionate, selfless, and resilient person, who faced the challenges of life with strength, kindness, optimism, and grace. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Steven is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter; Lauren, sister; Nancy (Kent) Pearson, brother; James (Margaret) Coons, nieces; Sally, Katie, Hannah, and Amy; nephew Charlie, and uncle Ronald Coons. He is further survived by his mother-in-law; Laverne Joosse, and brothers-in-law; Dennis, Ken and Fred. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. Memorial services will take place at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53705, with visitation from 1:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Middleton EMS, Middleton Outreach Ministry, or Porchlight Inc. Please share a memory.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406
"Hi Margie. All of my sympathy for you and family. I was hoping to get to Madison this weekend. But family issues here kept me in Milw. Blessings for you today, tomorrow and the future. "
"Steve was a stellar friend and colleague. The obituary rings perfectly true in that he faced the medical challenges with courage and dealt with them gracefully. I had an office across the street from the hospital where he dialyzed and not infrequently would stop by for a conversation on important topics like tennis, collectible autos, the Cubs, the Bears and the Grateful Dead. Sometimes the conversation was about difficult topics on which Steve advised me sagaciously. When there were matters we disagreed on he found a way to challenge my thinking by planting arguments so subtly disguised that they didn?t take hold until reflection on the drive home or the next day. The last time I saw Steve was at the time in 1999 he and Margie flew back to the United States with Lauren. I was in Sioux City, SD on some miserable business and chose to fly back to Madison on a Saturday morning, via Minneapolis. I knew that Steve and Margie were coming back through Minneapolis that day, and I switched flights to the next Madison connection after the arrival of their flight from China. I went to the international arrival area and saw Steve holding Lauren in a carrier, and Margie right behind him on the moving sidewalk. Neither of them recognized me ? they were both exhausted from the long flight and wired from the knowledge that they were embarking on a very significant new phase of life. On the flight to Madison, they gave me their video camera and I followed them off the plane and up the airway to the terminal shooting an over-the-shoulder perspective that showed the huge throng of family and friends waiting for them at the gate. I shot several minutes of video and then handed the camera to someone I assumed was in the group (if I was wrong, perhaps the video and the camera were never seen again, if I was right, I will take credit for documenting Lauren?s arrival in Madison ? a momentous occasion.) It was a privilege to know Steve and an honor to have been his friend. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo."
"It was during the 1990's that i became friends with Steven. He was a man of integrity and passion. I remember when he met Margie, the love of his life, and deliriously happy he was. Then Lauren came into their lives and I imagine that the three of them have had a miraculous journey together. Among other things, Steven and I bonded over our mutual love of gardening. I believe that Steven tended his family and life as he did his garden--with the utmost care, joy, and awe. When I read of Steven's death, I experienced a flood of memories and emotions. I cherish these memories and am so grateful for having known Steven. Wishing you love and peace, Margie and Lauren. Mariel "
"Margie and Lauren, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father Steve. What a kind, compassionate soul he was. I know all of us who worked with you Margie and knew Steve are very sad and thinking of both of you during this difficult time. Please know I/we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Your friend and former co-worker, Bill"
"I was saddened to hear the death of Steve Coons. It was nice working with him as my Supervisor. I really miss him. I wish the departed soul of Steve Conns have eternal peace and I also wish the grieved family have strength to bear the difficulties due to the loss. With Sympathy, Bhuvan Manandhar"
"Steve and Margie Coons first introduced my mother and me to Porchlight as a Covenant members and volunteers. A decade or more later, I am blessed to serve as their counsel. Truly, an inspirational leader, a man who shared his faith and family so generously, Steve?s legacy lives on in the lives he touched. Though we will miss him dearly, my mom and dad will welcome Steve in heaven.??"
"I'll never forget staying awake late at night with Lauren for sleepovers and hearing Steve get up in the night for a midnight snack. We'd try to muffle our giggles, so he wouldn't know we were still awake. Other times we'd giggle and join him, sitting in the kitchen with him enjoying a special late-night snack. I think back on those nights and can't help but smile. Praying God is wrapping you in His love. "
"Dear Margie, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your dear husband. May God sustain you and Lauren during this difficult time. Sincerely, Carol Thornton Iron Mountain, MI"
"So sorry for your loss. May Steve RIP. May God hold you in His arms and heal your sorrow that you feel. Cherish the memories. Love, hugs & prayers. MaryJoyce Hotelling"