Last year, at the State AAA Wrestling Tournament in St. Paul, St. Michael-Albertville’s Mitch McKee said he was wrestling for his father en route to a state championship in his weight class at 120 pounds.
This year, Steve will be wrestling with Mitch, a junior. Just ask anyone. His other son, Patrick, who also wrestles for the Knights, will have Steve with him in spirit, as well.
Steve, 51, lost his battle with cancer this weekend. His courageous fight led him last March to the Xcel Energy Center, where he was by Mitch’s side each match as the 120-pounder earned a championship. He shared a tearful embrace with his son, as well as his son’s competitor, after the final match.
Steve was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in February 2013. Tumors were pressing on his spine and around the walls of his heart and lungs. By 2014, it had spread to his lungs and, eventually, his bones.
North Wright County Today will have more information about Mr. Mckee’s funeral and ways to help the McKee family as it becomes available.