Laverne “Lefty” Francis Steiner, 90, of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away peacefully at Mayo Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, WI on Thursday, August 3, 2017 with family by his side.   Born September 7, 1926 on Shanghai Ridge, rural Crawford Co. WI to Mary Ellen (Boylen) and Joseph Steiner.  He attended Prairie du Chien High School, leaving early to serve his country in the Second World War.  Upon his return to Prairie du Chien, he met and married his sweetheart and loving wife of 64 years.  He married Phyllis (Noehl) on May 30, 1953.  Together, they raised five children:  Brad, Dirk, Brian, Gerri, and Jennifer. Lefty will be remembered as a loving husband, hardworking family man, and avid baseball fan.  He was a carpenter and fur buyer by trade.  In 1975, he bought the Alaskan Canadian Fur Trading Company, which he operated until 2010.  He continued to maintain the building and landscaping until 2016, ensuring it continue to resemble an 18th Century Trading Post through the years.

He leaves behind to treasure his memories:  wife Phyllis; brother Clete (Sharlee); children Brad (Jeanette), Dirk (Janet), Brian, Gerri (Bruce Strnad), and Jennifer (Jeffrey Nack); 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one on the way!

Lefty was preceded in death by parents Mary Ellen and Joseph; siblings Edna Vanderbilt, Virginia Benoy, Chuck, Veronica Sherrick, Geraldine Kozelka, Clem, and John; daughter-in-law Kathy (Brian); and great-grandson Xavier (Alexander and Angela).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday August 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel's Church of the Holy Family Parish, Rev. James Weighner officiating with burial in the Calvary Cemetery both in Prairie du Chien. Military honors will be accorded by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. Friends may call on Sunday, August 6, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien where there will be a wake scripture at 7:30 PM.

Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses that provided excellent care to Lefty and family during his final days. 

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