Stephen Wilkosz, 94
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 2 hours, 2 minutes AGO
Stephen Theodore Wilkosz, 94, passed away Dec. 19, 2025, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Stephen was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Duluth, Minn., to Agnes Constance Wilkosz and Steve Frank Wilkosz. He graduated from Central High School in 1950 and attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth before transferring to Michigan Technological University (B.S. Elec. Eng., 1954).
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.
Stephen married Joan Alisa Raymond on Aug. 22, 1958.
Stephen enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially walking in the forests and along the shoreline of Lake Superior. He enjoyed summers at the family cabin and fall deer hunting. 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.
Stephen shared his love for travel, Lake Superior, nature, and skiing, with his daughter, Mary.
In 2018, Stephen moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to be closer to his daughter. He stayed active until his final days at The Bridge, enjoying social activities and outings, exploring Idaho’s natural beauty, meals at his favorite 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, Minn.).
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. Family and friends are invited to sign Stephen’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.