Lawinger, Steven J.

Steven J. Lawinger, age 70, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Born on February 18, 1955, to Bill and Helena (Salzmann) Lawinger, Steve was raised on a dairy farm south of Mineral Point, where his passion for farming took root. His strong work ethic and determination shaped his success in both agriculture and athletics throughout his life.

Steve attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Mineral Point High School. An exceptional wrestler, he finished his senior year (1972-73) with a remarkable 31-1 record, capturing the WIAA State Title at 155 lbs. His high school career concluded with an impressive 48-6-0 record. He continued his wrestling journey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his strength and speed secured him a spot on the UW Badger wrestling team alongside his brother Rich and later his cousin Paul Lawinger. Steve placed three times in the Big Ten Championships and became an NCAA All-American in 1977. In 1974, he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling as the 165 lb. National Champion at the Junior Olympics. His achievements were recognized with an induction into the Allen E. Bauman Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999.

Beyond athletics, Steve was a dedicated businessman, founding and operating Lawinger Grain Co., which served farmers throughout Southwest Wisconsin. Farming was more than a profession to Steve—it was a way of life, and it became even more meaningful when he was able to share it with his niece, Hannah, his beloved little sidekick.

Steve kept Mineral Point his home, often seen out with his good friend Pat Ford, catching up with friends and sharing stories. Known for his independent spirit, Steve lived life on his own terms, finding his greatest joys in his family, his goddaughter Kimberly, Niki Jo who he considered his daughter and lifelong friends who became like family to him.

Steve was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s & Paul’s Catholic Church.

Steven is survived by his siblings; Patti (David) McKinley (Matt, Mandy and Mike); Laura (Gary) Jenkins; Nick (Margo) Lawinger (Nick Jr., Nichole and Curtis); Ann (John) Trace (Tammi, Travis, Tricia and Trevor); Jane Lawinger (Miranda, Alex and Gabe); Billy (Patti) Lawinger (Elizabeth and Hannah); Children of late brother Richard (AmyBeth, Adam, Tara and Kimberly his god-daughter).  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard, twin sisters Mary Beth and Mary Helena, and his nephew Will.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Mineral Point Wrestling Club in Steve’s honor.

Gorgen Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com