Empathetic, laid back, funny, sarcastic, loving
Steve Osowski was known for his cool, calm presence, sharp sarcasm, and an easy, loving warmth that made people feel at home around him. He didn’t say a lot, but when he did—especially about sports—he could talk for hours. His laugh was unforgettable and a favorite trait of his sister, Trina.
The oldest of three and the only boy, Steve was a steady presence in his family. He was especially close to his parents and his sisters, Nichole and Trina. Trina’s most cherished memory is a night when she was going through a painful breakup. Steve drove her around, listened without judgment, let her cry, offered gentle encouragement, and made sure she got home safely. He didn’t listen to respond—he listened to understand. “It meant so much to me for him to be there for me in a big brother light and to be a shoulder for me to cry on, I’ll never forget that night,” Trina said. That was who he was.
A homebody at heart, Steve loved being a dad. His daughter, Gianna, who was 18 when her father passed, was his light, and their bond informed everything he did. From the moment he learned he was her father; he committed himself fully to showing up for her. They loved going to new release movies, sharing meals, and just being together. Being a father changed him, and it was the role he was proudest of. Steve had many tattoos collected over the years, but his favorite was the one with Gianna’s name on his hand.
Steve worked hard—more than 20 years, at Badger Color in Mukwonago, where he rose to a manager position and earned deep respect from his coworkers, who showed tremendous support after his death.
Steve always showed up for those he loved. He traveled to Cozumel, Mexico, for his sister’s wedding in 2017, smiling throughout the trip and fully present in the celebration. Near the end of his life, he found new happiness in a relationship with someone he had known for over 20 years and was looking forward to his next chapter with her, including the hope of buying a home.
Steve lived with substance use disorder for decades, a disease he kept largely hidden, essentially living a double life to keep his disease from others. No one knew he had relapsed and everyone was shocked at his death. “I wish he could have told us he needed help,” Trina stated. “I would have done anything to help him. I am much more aware of the disease of addiction now, and I value my relationship with my sister more than ever because it is just she and I now. Steve was a good man. The stigma around addiction must change–society may see him differently because of his disease and it is unfair.”
Steve is deeply missed—for his voice, his laugh, his steady presence, and the way he made people feel seen. He was always around, there for others, and now that he is not, the world will never be the same for those who loved him.
Steve’s sister, Katrina Koeferl, provided the information for this narrative.
August 30, 1980 – November 15, 2024-Age 44
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
