Stephen Theodore Wilkosz

Stephen Theodore Wilkosz, 94, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Stephen was born November 22, 1931 in Duluth, Minnesota to Agnes Constance Wilkosz and Steve Frank Wilkosz. He graduated from Central High School in 1950 and then attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth before transferring to Michigan Technological University where he graduated in electrical engineering in 1954.

After college, Stephen served as a lieutenant with the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) until 1956 and then worked for U.S. Steel’s Oliver Iron Mining Company as an electrical engineer.

Stephen married Joan Alisa Raymond August 22, 1958. Though their marriage was not permanent, they remained friends throughout their lives.

Stephen most enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. In his free time, he loved to walk in the forests and along the shores of Lake Superior. He enjoyed summers at the family cabin at Fish Lake and fall deer hunting with the Arrowhead Hunting Lodge. Stephen especially loved winter and skiing. He competed in alpine and cross country skiing in high school (1950 MN State Champions), at UMD, and at Michigan Tech (Team Captain). In December 1955, he competed in the tryouts for the 1956 U.S. Olympic cross country ski team in Walla Walla, Washington.

Stephen shared his love for travel, Lake Superior, nature, and skiing, with his daughter. He introduced Mary to the winter wonderland of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the Colorado Rockies, and they made summer road trips to Alaska, Canada, and many parts of the U.S.

Later in life, Stephen cared for his aging parents and his brother, Ron.

In 2018, Stephen moved to Sandpoint, Idaho to be closer to his daughter. He stayed active until his final days, enjoying social activities and outings, exploring the natural beauty of north Idaho, meals at his favorite lakeside restaurants, and hanging out with his cat, Ben.

Stephen is survived by his daughter, Mary Wilkosz, and her partner, Mark Lehinger, and Stephen’s sister, Mary Lou Murphy (Duluth, Minnesota).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marcella Hunter, his brother, Ronald Wilkosz, and his former wife, Joan.

Stephen will be buried at the Polish Catholic Cemetery in Duluth. He will be remembered as a quiet, kind, and spiritual man with sparkling blue eyes and a smile for everyone.