Steven J. Needham, 57, of rural Tomah died unexpectedly Thursday, May 11, 2006 in his home. He was born on April 7, 1949 in Madison, WI to Harold and Lois (Rhyner) Needham. He grew up in Madison and moved to Sparta with his family. Steve graduated from Sparta High School in 1969.

     Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army where he became a decorated veteran. Deciding to make the service a career, he retired in 1991 in the rank of 1SGT.  Steve was awarded the St. Barbers Medal while stationed in Alaska.

     He married the former Kathleen Johnson on January 10, 1970 in West Salem. They moved to rural Tomah after he retired from the service. He worked at Fort McCoy as a range control operator.

     Steve pursued a variety of interest including fishing, hunting, traveling, playing cards, and most importantly, his family. His loss is great, but his legacy greater. Steve was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy will survive.

     He is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Tomah; children, Chad (Amanda) Needham of Sparta, Tonja (Brad) Matthews of Clarksville, TN, Cameron (Loretta) Needham of Kendall; eight grandchildren; four brothers, David (Donna) Needham of Alexandria, VA, Robin (Phyllis) Needham of Phoenix, AZ, Tim (Nancy) Needham of La Crosse, and Tom (Pam) Needham of Sparta.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, Cortney Needham.

     Memorial services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend Richard Abernathy officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 2112 will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta.    

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Monday (today) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.