Mankato, Minnesota, Beloved Hockey Coach Steve Neitge Dies After Cardiac Event

Mankato, Minnesota, Beloved Hockey Coach Steve Neitge Dies After Cardiac Event

Steve Neitge lived with passion and served with dedication.

NewsAshish

December 12, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 12, 2026

Steve Neitge, a hockey coach at Kasi LaCanne, passed away due to a cardiac event while hauling mail at 5:30 A.M. on December 10, 2026.

He also played co-ed hockey with Kasi and spent many hours on golf courses.

Steve Neitge’s fight is over.

He worked as a self-employed insurance broker at Twin City Underwriters. He was a man who worked tirelessly to conquer challenges and pursue his passions, which were always centered around community.

His greatest love was hockey. He was the heart of the ECHO Hockey Spectacular and a dedicated board member for the ECHO food shelf.

Moreover, he coached several of Kasi LaCanne’s teams over the years and even played co-ed hockey games with Kasi.

Similarly, Steve spent many hours on golf courses with Khrystjan and Bob. He also enjoyed the friendly competition of pickleball at Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services.

Today we honored one of our Pickleball players, Steve Neitge. We left a court open for Steve with a paddle and a ball for pickleball players to pay their respects to him. Steve passed away yesterday morning due to a medical event. A smile never left his face and he brought out a smile in those around him.

Saint Peter Recreation & Leisure Services

Also, see: Fair Oaks, California, Bella Vista High School JV Field Hockey Standout Taylor Knowlton Dies At 15

Steve Neitge’s Legacy of Joy and Service

Steve Neitge was a man whose boundless generosity, infectious humor, and deeply caring soul touched countless lives.

Sadly, he passed away, leaving behind the legacy of an immense and joyful impact.

Steve always had a smile on his face.

It was a permanent, welcoming fixture on his own face and had the magical ability to make everyone around him smile.

His quick humor, charisma, and collection of silly nicknames made every friend and family member feel special and appreciated.

Above all, he was known for sharing his big, juicy heart openly and freely, offering kindness and support without hesitation.

My heart goes out to all of Steve Neitge’s family & friends- what a shock but Godspeed bud! We were just debating insurance & health care a couple weeks ago trying to solve the crisis in Steve fashion- I have no doubt he went right to work on his Goodwill mission 🙏🥲

Calista Rasque-Vos

Steve’s spirit found rhythm in music. He was a passionate and loyal supporter of the arts, most notably as a devoted fan and friend of Jeffrey Lee Zimmerman.

His commitment to others extended far beyond friendship into a life of quiet philanthropy and meaningful action.

He planted deep roots in his community, changed lives through his compassion, and forged relationships built on genuine connection. His impact will continue to grow and inspire for years to come.

People also viewed: Washington Township, New Jersey Community Mourns Longtime Coach and Professional Ice Hockey Player Michael ‘Mike’ Ritz, 53, Survived by Wife Lori and Family

Steve shared a close and enduring bond with his siblings, Lisa Neitge and David Weinstein, who held a special place in his heart. The love and memories they shared as a family are a treasured inheritance.

A private service will be held for the family.

So tonight, it’s “Sticks Out for Steve.” Leave a twig outside your door to honor our late friend with a tribute tied to something he loved so dearly — hockey. We all know he’ll be skating up there tonight.

Echo Foodshelf Hockey Spectacular

Steve taught the power of a generous spirit, the connective magic of a shared smile, and the enduring strength of a heart given freely to others.

He will be deeply missed by his hockey family, his friends, and the entire community he strengthened with his boundless spirit.

Rest In Peace, Steve Neitge.

AshishAshish

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

Related articles

Homeowner Warns Parents After Late-Night Doorbell Prank...

News

May 1, 2026

Marine City, Michigan: Parents Raise Safety Concerns...

News

April 30, 2026

Massive Teen Fight at Six Flags St....

News

April 30, 2026

Kishwaukee College Graduate Ryan Todd, 28, Passes...

News

April 29, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppLinkedin
    News

    Homeowner Warns Parents After Late-Night Doorbell Prank by Kids Caught on Ring Camera

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 1, 20260 A homeowner’s warning about late-night doorbell pranks caught on a Ring camera has sparked a heated online debate, dividing opinions on parenting, childhood behavior,...Read more Coach

    Former Carver High School Coach George Davis Dixon Passed Away At 90

    Rohit Maharjan

    - May 1, 20260 George Davis Dixon, a former coach from Waco, Texas, passed away at the age of 90. He was born on November 26, 1935, and lived...Read more Wrestling

    Missouri Baptist University Spartans Wrestler Jaegar Hall Passes Away Leaving His Family!!!

    Rohit Maharjan

    - April 30, 20260 A freshman wrestler at the Missouri Baptist University Spartans tragically passed away. Jaegar Hall was a redshirt freshman wrestler who competed at the 141-pound weight...Read more News

    Marine City, Michigan: Parents Raise Safety Concerns After Unauthorized Individual Threatens Teacher at School

    Rohit Maharjan

    - April 30, 20260 Tensions are rising among parents in Marine City after a troubling incident at the local middle and high school prompted concerns about student safety,...Read more News

    Massive Teen Fight at Six Flags St. Louis Prompts Strict New Chaperone Policy

    Rohit Maharjan

    - April 30, 20260 A massive disturbance involving more than 100 teenagers at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka has led to a major policy change aimed at...Read more

    You Might Also Like