Steven Reed Coons

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, provid...[more]

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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