Steven Lafky

STEVEN W. LAFKY

Steven W. Lafky left this earth on August 11, 2016, his 53rd birthday, to be with his parents, Bill and Lill Lafky.

Steve was born in Winona on August 11, 1963, and he was a free spirit who did things and enjoyed life in his own way.  Steve was a fighter who, with only a 2% chance to live following double amputation of his legs in January 2014, he survived.  He went from the hospital, to therapy, to a wheelchair, to a powered scooter, and was able to again be independent in his own apartment.  He could be seen going up and down the streets of Winona in his scooter.

He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1981, and worked many miscellaneous jobs including Sarnia Quick Lube, Fleet Farm, Schuler Candy Factory, and helping his dad on the family farm.

Steve was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and he was looking forward to the coming season.  He enjoyed picking the winners in the Winona Post, and he even won a couple of times.  His favorite shows on TV included watching Pro-Wrestling Raw and Smack-down, old cowboy Westerns and movies, and “The Highway Men.”

He loved country music, especially classic country, and would often play the guitar.  Steve and his late friend, Stan, enjoyed going fishing together, and just recently Steve talked about getting his pole out and heading down to Lake Winona.

After losing his legs, Steve had a goal to get prosthetic legs and to be able to walk again like Captain Dan in Forrest Gump.  With the help of Joe at Limblab, and the staff at Sauer Rehab, he accomplished that goal this past June.  On August 11, 2016, Steve used those legs and walked into heaven…Steve, you will be missed.

Steve is lovingly survived by his brother: Gary (Shelly) Lafky, West Salem, WI; sister:  Bonnie (Mike) Pehler, Winona; nieces: Katie (Bill) LeGere; Jessi Pohlman; Jodi (Chad) Hanson; and Amanda Lafky; nephews: Jason (Rachael) Pehler and Joel Lafky; his very helpful aunt and Godmother, Ruth Brand; uncle, Ray Lafky; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lill Lafky, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Steve’s family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Irina Shankovich, who was able to not only extend Steve’s life, but to also give him a new positive outlook.   We would also like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Gundersen Health System, Winona Health, Sauer Healthcare, and Golden Living in St. Charles, MN, for the care and support they gave to Steve and to our family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  The Reverend Kathy Redig will officiate.

Steve will be laid to rest in Frank Hill Cemetery, Wilson, MN.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.  Those attending are encouraged to dress casually.

It is respectfully requested that memorials be designated to the Frank Hill Cemetery in Wilson.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Steve’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.