Stephen John Grygleski, age 59, of Tomah, Wisconsin, peacefully passed into eternal life on September 9, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
Stephen was born on December 28, 1965, in Tomah, Wisconsin, the third son of Edward J. and Barbara Grygleski. He was raised on the family cranberry farm and graduated from Tomah Senior High School in 1984.
Stephen had a passion for music and entertaining. Throughout high school, he participated in acting, forensics, tennis, and band. After graduation, he attended Viterbo University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Business in 1990, along with minors in Philosophy and Music, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Following college, Stephen worked for Trane in La Crosse as a cost analyst in the international division. His talents were soon recognized, and he was relocated to Hong Kong, where he spent eight years traveling the world in support of Trane’s global business operations.
As Stephen noticed early symptoms of dementia, he chose to leave Trane and embark on a personal journey exploring the deeper meaning of life. He attended many spiritual retreats and lived a simple, intentional life of kindness and generosity toward others. He devoted much of his time to caring for his beloved grandmother, Frances; his mother, Barbara; and his uncle, Dennis—sharing his warmth and joy with them during their final years.
On the family farm, Stephen continued to delight visitors as “Pirate Steve,” entertaining school groups during cranberry harvest tours with his quick wit, humor, and lighthearted spirit. Stephen had a remarkable work ethic and was genuinely kind to everyone he met. Even as his dementia gradually took the ability to communicate, Stephen never lost his joyous spirit—continuing to express himself through dancing and his trademark sense of humor.
Stephen is survived by his father, Edward J. Grygleski; brothers, Michael (Kim Irle) Grygleski, James (Margaret) Grygleski, and Edward A. (Ann) Grygleski, his sister, Mary (William) Klouda. He is also survived by his aunt Mary (Marty) Bliek, Uncle Reverend James Leary O.F.M.Cap, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including his lifelong friend, Mike Shuttleworth.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara; his unclesDennis Leary and Daniel Grygleski; and his grandparents, James and Barbara Leary, and Edward and Frances Grygleski. A private family memorial service and celebration of life was previously held.
