James Allen "Chico" Steiner

James "Jim" Steiner, affectionately known as Chico, cherished brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend, passed away on March 28, 2024, due to cardiac arrest resulting in a vehicle accident, at the age of 62. His departure has created a deep void in the hearts and lives of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Born on January 5, 1962, in Wabasha, Minnesota, Jim was the son of LaVern and Ruby (Thompson) Steiner.  He grew up in a large family, forging bonds that would endure a lifetime. 

Jim was a dreamer! He wrote: “To dream of a better life for myself, my family, my friends, for all life on earth, and especially a greener/better planet is exactly who I am.  Dreams come from God.”

Jim graduated from Alma High School in 1980 and was a star wrestler winning 2^nd place in the high school tournament. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Jim loved college especially his fraternity Phi Gamma Delta, where he served as President in 1990.

Chico farmed for many years before going to college.  After graduation, he accepted a position with an investment firm in Minneapolis, only to realize life in the big city was not his cup of tea.  He returned to Alma to start his construction business, Steiner Construction, having worked on many remodeling jobs around the surrounding area.  He was a gifted carpenter. 

He loved hunting, boating, horses, bodybuilding, nature and a passion for living green (off the grid). Jim was an avid football fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers Fan, and Milwaukee Brewers.  Jim had a great taste in many music genres with a particular love for Aerosmith, AC/DC, Loverboy, and many more from the 80’s and 90’s. He was one of Men of Stihl in the 80’s – a tug-of-war competition in the region.  They were quite good, often competing against some stellar teams.  Jim appeared to be the one to pull the team to victory.

James will be deeply missed by his siblings, Lois Gerth (Bob), of Buffalo City, Janet Reinhardt, of Osseo, Linda Loesel (Terry), of Alma, Cindy Finley (Jim), of Bloomington, MN, Patsy (Pat), of Bloomington, Dave, of Alma, brother-in-law, Dan Kircher, of Pepin; 16 nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, Aunts Elaine Haigh, Liz Kreibich, Kathleen Rieck and Dorothy Thompson. Jim leaves behind a host of relatives and friends whose lives he touched with his humor and bigger than life presence.

Though James’s physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing he was loved beyond measure.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Lavern, paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers Dean and Paul, a sister Susan and two brothers-in-law, Dennis Reinhardt and Frank Gerth. 

A Chico Fest Celebration of Life will be held on April 27, 2024, 2-5 PM at Walker’s Silvermoon, Alma, Wisconsin. 

Forever in our hearts, Jim’s legacy of love will continue to inspire us all.

Note: Please send cards to Linda Loesel, S1922 County Road N, Alma, WI 54610.