Funeral services are set for the father of two St. Michael-Albertville High School wrestlers, Steven McKee, husband to Nina McKee, all of Hanover.
McKee’s fight with cancer and presence at last year’s State AAA wrestling tournament, where he was able to see his son, Mitchell, take first place in the 120-pound weight class, made national headlines.
Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2013, Steve was given months to live. He made it to last year’s tournament after dozens of rounds of treatments, radiation and hospital stays.
His health declined rapidly as winter set in this year, and passed away in his “favorite” easy chair, according to his family’s Caring Bridge page, Sunday afternoon.
“People were drawn to Steve, his energy, smile , sense of humor, positive attitude and spirit,” the entry states. “Steve was someone that could walk into a room of strangers and come out with many friends. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone around him smile also. Steve certainly showed us life is to be lived and smiles are to be given no matter the circumstance. Steve’s energy, positivity and spirit lives on in his loving family, the many young men he has coached over the years and the lucky ones like the STMA wrestling community were blessed to call him a friend. When Steve coached youth sports he believed in the talent and ability of each and every player. Hunting, golfing, fishing and being at the lake were his other passions. Steve believed,It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.”
Services for Steven Michael McKee are set for 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Lunch will be served at noon.
A visitation for family and friends, with prayer service, will also be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the St. Michael Catholic Church.
A private internment will follow at 3 p.m.
He is survived by his wife, Nina; and his two sons, Mitchell (16) and Patrick (15). He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Wanda McKee of Pequot Lakes; his brother, Michael McKee and fiance Becky Walllace of Maple Grove; sisters, Sheri (Wally) Shelstad of Buffalo, Judy McKee of Little Canada and Laurie McKee of Plymouth; and long time friend David Daniels of Maple Grove. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan McKee.
Peterson Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
A memorial fund has been set up for the boys at First American Bank, 12725 43rd St. NE Saint Michael, MN 55376.