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Posts: 188
Location: Downers Grove | Hi guys..... I have horrible news about a great muskie fisherman who taught me alot.. and was a best friend with my cousin... Kyle Stefanskie(Kly) on Muskiefirst passed away Saturday night due to a horrible car accident.. Kyle was such a nice kid and im sure you guys had your great times fishing with him as well as I did....... Kyle worked so hard with going to college........ having a job and being a fanatic muskie fisherman. Kyle will never be forgotten in my life......... Thoughts out to his family.... and friends..........
Sincerely,
Brian |
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Posts: 1294
Location: Stevens Point, Wi. | My condolences to his family and friends. It's always a tragedy to lose someone so young. |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | This indeed is terrible news. Kyle's friendly jabs, quick smile and incredible energy for the sport of Muskie fishing quickly made him a true friend of the MuskieFIRST community. He will be severly missed.
Kly, my friend, Last Cast...
All of us at MuskieFIRST extend our heartfelt sympathy to Kyle's family and friends.
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Posts: 1137
Location: Holly, MI | I never met him in person but it Feels like I've known him. Sincere condolances to his family and friends.
Speaking of his quick smile, Here is how I knew him...
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Posts: 477
Location: Iowa | I saw this and can't believe it. Talked to him Saturday afternoon, and now this. I'm shocked!! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Fished with him quite a few times last year, our schedules just hadn't worked out yet this year. You will be thought of everytime I'm on that lake, and thanks for the great net jobs KLY. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | WOW. I'm in shock.
Kly it was great to know you and I know your in a better place (where ALL muskies are at least 50"). I wish the best to all your friends and family.
-Treats |
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| This is unbelievale! I still can' believe what I'm reading. Kly you will be missed by many here on the board. I was only able to fish with you once, along with davej on the first Iowa outing. We had fun that day and I will remember it.
Thoughts and prayers from the Thiede famliy.
Our condolences and a heavy heart go out to the family.
Scott |
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Posts: 169
Location: Elgin ,IL | <p>Brian,</p><p>I'm up here in MN on business this week and I just saw your post. I cannot believe this news! Kyle was one of my clients I took guiding on the Fox Chain and he was one of the nicest guys I've ever met! I spent a long time with him this past January at the swap meet at the Chicago show just getting caught up on how school was going etc.. It was great to see him again!</p><p>I'm deeply saddened by this horrible news and the world will never be the same now that he is gone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family who will surely feel the void, as we all will. May God bless him. I hope he's chasing 50"ers up there. What a tragedy.</p> |
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Posts: 440
| Our family sends our thoughts and prayers out to Kyle's family and friends. Here is how I want to remeber him. Always having fun.
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Posts: 941
Location: Freedom, WI | Only got to meet him once when we traded baits last winter and liked him right away. My prayers go out to him and his family.
Roger |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Life is such a puzzle- God Bless you Kyle. may all your Muskies be +50"'rs and smilling as much as you did. Our prayers are with you, your family and friends during this time of sorrow and transition.
God Bless.
Al
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Posts: 600
Location: West Bend, WI |
Edited by plitzzz 6/14/2004 9:06 PM
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Posts: 600
Location: West Bend, WI |
Edited by plitzzz 6/14/2004 9:08 PM
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Posts: 600
Location: West Bend, WI | The first time I met Kly....sorry speechless
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=13... |
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Posts: 376
Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin | MuskieFirst will never be the same.
Edited by TUFFY 6/14/2004 9:57 PM
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | Sad news indeed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family... |
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| My condolences to his family and friends. How tragic, so young.
Edited by Bukes 6/14/2004 9:52 PM
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| Such a sad loss, RIP and many 50"ers in heaven |
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| My prays and sympathies are with everyone on here and Kyle's family and friends....Very unbelievable news indeed |
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Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Very sad to hear about that. |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | I am blown away by this as well. He was a great kid, his whole life in front of him. The guy was always smiling and having fun. We will miss him. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | I don't even know what to say. I will miss that little bait slinger. He was a great tournament partner, and a great guy to share a boat with. I am glad to say that the last time we fished together, we boated lots of fish, so I have some pictures of him that show what he was made of. He always had a smile, and loved being out on the water. May God watch over him, and be his netman when that 50"er comes.
Kyle, it was great to know you..........
My sympathy goes out to his family. God Bless.
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Posts: 938
Location: NeverNever Lake | Very Sad! Would have liked to have met him.... I guess in a way I kinda did... |
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Posts: 5874
| This news brings tears to my eyes. We've lost a great friend.
Kyle, I'll miss you. Godspeed, my friend. You will always have a place in my boat, and my heart.
Beth, Eric, Lauren and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to Kyle's family.
I've attached a few pictures of how I will always remember the fun we've had together, chasing the fish he loved.
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| Wow,I just read about what happened. Mine and my family's prayers and sympathies go out to him and his family and friends. I never met him, but he sounded like a great kid. God Bless, Matt |
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Posts: 7119
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | About the best day I've spent on my boat was last September; not muskie fishing, but chasing salmon with Kly and Luke Chinewalker. I don't think we stopped laughing from the moment that Kly met us (45 minutes late no less) and said "dudes, I forgot my lures, mind if I use some of yours?". I dont even remember the things we laughed about, but I can tell you 3 muskie fisherman drinking beers at 9AM in the morning, jigging daredevils in the middle of 25 boats in a merry go round of salmon charters and boats of every size....other people might have caught more, but no one had more fun.
All of muskiefirst, members and staff, send our thoughts and prayers out to the Stefanski family, may he laugh at all the backlashes, and never stop chasing muskies and having that smile while doing it.
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Posts: 2089
| Tough night for a lot of people. Cried a lot.Just came back in the house from the garage where I was sitting in Kly's boat having a smoke.(he stores it here).He sure affected/effected a lot of lives in a positive way.A couple weeks ago he was in the backyard showing my kids how to do backflips.He coached gymnastics in Iowa City, and funny thing, he'd blow off the parking cop gig in a second to go out to PC but was dedicated to the kids.My daughter will be heartbroken.She asked about him Saturday at my brothers wedding in Rhinelander.He took the photo of the 38" I caught with he and she in the boat.So many great memories of a really special young man.I feel sorry for those who never met him. The most incredible sense of humor.He made me laugh so hard at times, my face hurt.The Dude knows what I'm talking about. I've never met another with such a passion for muskies and muskie fishing.I've been chasin' Green Fish for a long time, but learned so much from him.He made me a better fisherman just being in the boat together.WE will still fish the Mike James at Cass.My thoughts and prayers go out to Kyle's family and friends.He talked often about his parents and how they supported him in his pursuit of toothy critters."The Fat Guy and The Short Kid "will fish again.Your seat is always there buddy. I'll miss you Brother,Partner and Friend. Steve |
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Posts: 1189
Location: Bagley,MN 56621 | Unreal.......I have lost my "it's the middle of winter and it's froze here lets go south and chase some fatties partner".
I did 3 winter trips with Kly , 2 of them just me and him. Spent a week in a cabin last Aug on sabaskong and had him over for Wisconsin opener just a few very very short weeks ago.
He was a diehard, loved to go at the drop of a hat. Quite the thinker in the boat too.....knew what to do, when and how...........I just ran the trolling motor to where.
Will miss all the smack talk, the laughs, the planning and excitement of the next hawg hunt,the midnite meets in Bloomington Illinois just so 2 nuts could drive 14 hrs, fish 1 1/2 days and drive 14 hrs back.
a tragic loss indeed............ rest in peace buddy! |
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Posts: 143
Location: Kentucky | Man, what a shame to have lost such a nice young man. I had the honor of meeting Kyle just this past March at the MuskieFirst Outing at the Cave. My prayer's are with his family and friend's. May he rest in peace. cpr Chris |
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Posts: 4266
| That infectious smile will be remembered by all of us.
He'll be in our thoughts and our prayers.
Beav and family |
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Posts: 389
Location: Presque Isle Wisconsin | Just looking at the pictures and reading the thoughts of the guys that knew Him........What a beautiful young man He must have been to have engendered such friendship and love. |
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Posts: 736
Location: Hartford, WI | I wake this morning, get on the computer and find out one of the best people I have ever fished with passed away. From the Beer we drank, to the jokes we had will never be forgotten. I just cannot believe this. I have no words that will ever describe the times and trips Kyle(KFIB) and I had, from him falling in my boat to the quotes of movies that would crack my brother and I up. Truly a horrible day for all of his family and friends. I'm just sitting here try to type somthing but my mind and fingers are really having a tough time of it. Thank you Kyle for all the great memories you and I had. May your after life be full of Muskies and Labatts.
Jim
PS. Next time my lures gets stuck in the tree. Give me me a little help buddy.
Edited by Jim K 6/15/2004 6:05 AM
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Posts: 880
Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151 | I had a chance to meet Kyle at the outing on Okauchee in spring. I feel for his family and close friends.
God Bless the one's He wants so young.... |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | I was away from the board most of yesterday and came back this morning to read of this tragic news... My heart is heavy and my thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy goes out to Kyle's closest friends and family...
I met "Kly" at a few of the MuskieFIRST events... great guy...good fisherman. May God's grace be with your friends and family at this most difficult time...
Mark Hintz |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | We are all here for a reason, it is quite clear the joy and happiness this young man brought to soo many people. He brightened our lives and brought laughter and joy. Remember him that way, and be thankful for your time with him.
My prayers go out to his family.
Cory |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | I just can't believe this has happened to such a GREAT kid.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kyle for the first time last year when we fished the Okauchee tourney together. We had plans to fish together this year but unfortunately we will have to wait until another time.
We talked a lot over the phone and instant message and you guessed it, it was ALWAYS about Muskies.
We will miss you little buddy, there will ALWAYS be an open spot in my boat for you.
Unfortunately I can't make it to the funeral, I will be out of town but mine and my families prayers will be with his family.
We love you buddy, keep casting!!!! |
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | Wow, got the call last night. Unbelievable. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend a few days on the water with such a great guy. Buy far one of the best trips ever, and I didn't even boat a fish. I won't soon forget the non stop laughter, and that perfect cast you made. We'll miss ya buddy. |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Just found out this morning as I loged on.
My heart is full of sadness for my muskie fishing friend and jokester.
From the Koepp family: Out thought and prayers go out to him and his family. God bless you pal.............
With tearfull eyes I say good by to one of MuskieFirsts family. KLY you will always be with us everwhere we are, take care little buddy. We will be thinking of you.
Can someone please tell me what happened in a PM. |
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Posts: 202
Location: Angola, IN | I met Kyle last year at Sabaskong Bay during the MF outing. When I was really sick and couldn't stand up in the boat to go musky fishing, he took me out and we caught some walleyes and smallmouths. He was an awesome guy. Hardcore all the way about fishing, and hardcore through and through when it came to having a good time.
For sure, one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. His attitude was just infectious.
I'm so lucky that I had the opportunity to meet him.
The Hulbert Family wishes Kyle and his family the best during these trying times. Peace. |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Kyle was a great guy, we talked several times on the phone and hung out at a sport show or two over the winter months. He was a great person, always cracking jokes and making me and others laugh as much as possible. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family Kyle. You ARE a wonderful person. Make 'em laugh up there just like you did while you were with us. |
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Location: Eau Claire,WI | I never met him,I wish I could have. My deepest sypathy to his family and friends over this
tragic loss. Paul |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | I am in total shock!! As short as he is Kyle is a big man as far as I am concerned, what a great sportsmen and young man I wish we had more like him he will be missed.
Is there anything we can do as a group for Kyle's family?
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I am absolutely speechless. I couldn't believe it when Steve told me last night. I've only met Kyle a couple times at the various shows, but he truly is good people.
We have to remember that as bad as it seems, everything happens for a reason. My heart and prayers go out to Kyle's friends and family. |
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Posts: 2089
| John,
There has been some brief mention/discussion regarding some sort of scholarship/memorial fund but I think we're all still in shock.Feel free to e-mail me with any ideas.Will be in Downers Grove the next two days.We will do something to make the Family proud and to make sure this Young Man will never be forgotten.He touched many lives.I like a yearly Scholarship to a student/fisherperson.Although he would have much rather been on the pond, he was an excellent student also. Steve |
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Posts: 136
| #*^@.
Can't quit crying.
You're a good sh!t Kly. You "Got", the Rat Belly, The Shady Moon, the F everyone attitude I'm going fishing....Coined "Rice Lake Pro" and so much more..
It's not fair that you'll be gone from our lives.
But I'm incredibly happy to have GREAT memories of you.
Thanks for being a part of my life and teaching this know it all a little about life.
You'll be missed kid. The short polish kid will be missed.
Edited by Thick Shady 6/15/2004 11:15 AM
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Posts: 925
| Jonesi:
The "Fat Guy and Short Kid" obviously related to two fishing teams. You and Kly and me and Cady.
I must say I only met Kly once at the first Iowa outing a couples years back. Nicest guy I ever met. Plus I loved hanging out with him because he was #*^@ close to being smaller than me.
Kly, I will do you well in keeping on the "Short Kids" legacy for you in the musky world.
My condolences go out to all friends and family.
You will be missed Kly.
Matt Beulke
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| Sad news to hear about a GREAT young kid who I've had the pleasure of meeting and laughing with.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stefanski family.
You will be missed |
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| I never met him, nor any of you guy's, but this type of tradgedy really hurts. I had a life long muskie bud pass away a few years ago at 40. Sad, sad situation, no doubt for this young individual, and more so, the loved ones still on the face of the earth as we know it.
The more I see the closeness of you dudes, the more I tell myslef that I need to hook up on one of the outings and join in on the friendships being developed.
Man this bites....  |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | What a shocker!
I will cheerish the time I was fortunate enough to spend with him and the awesome bucktails he tied for me.
I will miss all the short guy funnin'
My next day on the water will be for you buddy!
Hook Em' Hard,
Joe |
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Posts: 136
| "The more I see the closeness of you dudes, the more I tell myslef that I need to hook up on one of the outings and join in on the friendships being developed."
Amen Jaeger Amen.
Kly,
We are still going to the Goon outing.
S- |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Man this just sucks... Big-time heavy heart today..
Can't help but laugh with tears in my eyes... I keep picturing Kly and Matt sitting in my boat at the Sabaskong outting last year as Deb and I gave them a ride out to the island...I'm following Jason while he's motoring kinda slow and we are quartering into 2-3 footers in the rain and wind and about every 3rd wave I get a 5 gal. pail of water blown in on me... Kly, your infectious smile and laughter will be with us forever.... Thank you for being you..:)
Mark Hintz...
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Posts: 724
Location: Southern W.Va. | My heart goes out to all who knew him. First met him at LOTW on last years outing , fished off the rock in front of our cabin and knew from the start that this was one good guy who knew how to enjoy life. The world is a sadder place without him in it and I for one will miss him.
Save a place in your boat for this one Lord, for in my book, he deserves it. He will be missed by all who knew him.
C.J. Cantley aka Mauser |
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Posts: 3926
| Maybe God needed another Angel to help the rest of us here on earth. |
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Posts: 2089
| The "Short Kid" helped the "Fat Guy" through a very tough winter and spring.I owe Him a lot.He was an Angel here too. Steve |
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Posts: 7
| I just heard the news. What a tragic thing to happen to such a young man. I, unfortunately, did not have the pleasure of meeting Kyle. After hearing the stories from Jonesi and reading the comments above, I feel like I really missed out. To be thought of with such a high regard from his friends and peers is the most moving thing I have ever read. A sad day indeed.
My heart and prayers go out to Kyle’s family, friends, and the MuskieFirst community.
Laura Morrison
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Posts: 148
Location: DES MOINES, IOWA | What a loss!Really enjoyed reading the banter between him, and his fishing buddies.You could tell how much he was loved by everone who hung with him, and he had a great sense of humor.My loss, is I never got a chance to meet him.My condolences to his family,friends, and his buddies on this site. |
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | I never got the opportunity to meet 'Kly' (nor any of the rest of you - yet). I did, however notice a keen, good-natured wit in many of his messages on this board. His circle of friends was indeed extensive. He obviously touched many lives in the most positive of ways. I wish I could have met him...I know I would have liked him.
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
K. |
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Posts: 686
Location: Tomahawk, Wisconsin | My thoughts and prayers are with Kyles family and with all those who he came across as he winded his way down the trail of life. We will have a moment of silence in my boat tonite as we pause and remember a Musky Nut!!! Dave Jonesi |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | I just keep remembering the time I stayed at his cottage when we fished the tourney last year and he told me that everything was shut down for the winter so if I had to take a SH!T I would have to use the 5 gallon bucket in the bathroom. 
I'm thinking to myself, man this kid don't know me, I can't sit on that bucket for my morning ritual.
You will be missed little buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | I shed a tear for Kly's life, he was a fine fisherman and a bundle of boundless energy. I will forever cherish our too few moments. To Jonesi, Cady, and all you who knew him well, I hope you find time to heal and be thankful for the gifts that his life brought yours.
"Lay down, my dear brother
Lay down and take your rest"
m
Edited by mikie 6/16/2004 11:30 AM
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Posts: 149
| Unfortunately Kyle and I never crossed paths. Clearly I missed out. My sympathy and thoughts go out to his family and friends. Clearly he was a shooting star. |
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Posts: 2378
| I never met Kyle, but I could always tell from the boards that I would have liked to. A tragedy like this is always heartbreaking, whether you knew the guy or not.
My thoughts are with his friends and family. |
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Posts: 402
| Oh my, this almost leaves me speechless. I don't know what to say other that Kyle was a great guy to fish with, and a well rounded individual. I had the opportunity to fish with him a couple times in my boat. It was my privelage to have fished with him, he's a great guy, great angler, and a spectacular teacher. He taught me things on the water I won't forget. He taught me when things are slow you have to cover water and keep your head up and just add a little humor and thats exactly what he did. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family. This is troubling news and will leave me very sad when I think about it. Thanks for the good times, kyle, buddy. |
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Posts: 216
| R.I.P. Kyle you will be missed by many. |
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | I thought about kyle all day today. I work out of downers grove about 2 miles from his parents house and even closer to his sister's house. I still have private messages saved on this site from him. I will miss the wintertime chatroom sessions with him, heck I just sent him a bunch of stuff not two weeks ago. We never did hook up enough, had an open invitation to goto hooters next to my work whenever he came home from school. I remember his little buick with the sucker tank in the back and a hole through the trunk into the seating area to travel his musky rods. It still hurts. If anything gets set up in his name I am in 100%. |
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Posts: 419
Location: Appleton, WI | I haven't had a chance to meet Kyle, but remember his great humor and threads that were posted on this site. You could tell by the way that he wrote, and how many friends that he had that he was a special guy. I feel like I've known him a long time by what was shared on this board. I was honestly choked-up and shocked to hear. God I wish I would have been able to share a boat with him. I remember that monster carp that he had caught. Also the pail picture that he caught while fishing with Shep. It's those pictures and his contagioius smile that really speak volumes for the type of fun-loving person he was. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Something tells me that he's fishing on the most incredible musky lake imaginable right now.
catch ya later,
Krappie |
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Posts: 37
| My thoughts and prayers go out to kyles family. Its a shame to lose a great person and fisherman. Kyle will always be in my thoughts. |
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Posts: 626
Location: ashtabula ohio | man oh man. sorry to hear this fellas...my thoughts are with all you guys now. never knew him or most of you guys here, but ive lost many friends in my time. i just know we all share the same passion...he sounded like a heck of a guy! god bless the family. |
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Posts: 132
Location: Chicago, IL | I have truely never met someone with more of a passion for muskie fishing than Kly. Some of the sh!t he would pull to just get out on the water for a couple of hours was crazy. I had the pleasure of knowing and hanging out with Kly for the past 5 years. From our weekly bowling trip to Coralville Lanes in Iowa with Kly, my brother and the rest of the guys, to watching from Jonesi's boat Kly and my brother battle muskie fever, and finally to Kly getting wasted while trolling slammer deep divers at Lac Suel. The thoughts of never fishing with Kly again or never watching him throw his perfect straight ball is hard for me. I am extremely lucky to have shared so many good times and trips with Kly. I have always known Kly to be a toughlove kinda guy and I wish everyone to have the strength to get through these tough times the way Kly got through tough fishing days. I look forward to seeing and meeting those of you who can make it to the wake/funeral. Rest in peace buddy and may the lord bless you with 50 inchers.
Marc Wendell |
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| I am not a member of muskiefirst, but frequent the website whenever I get the chance. I read many of
"Kly's" posts but never meet him. It sounds like I missed out. Best wishes to his family and friends.
Steve Imhoff |
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Posts: 2061
Location: Belgium | oh #*#*, didn't see that one coming! I just emailed him to find out whether he liked the lure I sent him .... #*^@, I got tears in my eyes, I tell ya. I have only fun memories of Kyle, how else could it be. He's about the coolest cat I know!  Staying up late (early) at night to chat on the muskiefirst chatsite, exchanging lures, fishing pictures, keeping updated on fishing reports, ... I'm gonna miss him for sure guys. This is the first friend that I lost and it gets to me. Kyle, wherever you are, you da man!!! I'll miss you! |
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| I never meet kly but can tell by the wonderful pics posted here that he loved life and lived it to the fullest. I thought "if I died , could my friends find that many pic's of me with a great smile on my face? " the pic's tell the story , what a wonderful smile -- wish I would have known this guy. It's very clear he will be deeply missed ManitouDan |
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Posts: 827
Location: Minneapolis,Minnesota | My god...I'm in total shock.
Kly was a cool dude. Met him a few times at shows and out on the hawg farm in Iowa. I Liked the little feller right away.
I know he was one heck of a muskie fisherman and held in very high regards by all that knew him.
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
He will be missed |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | The first time I meet KLY was at Okauchee Lake about 3 years ago. I was out with Jason Smith and we met KLY at the launch. He opened up the trunk of his car to get a few suckers. To my amazement he had a sucker tank in the trunk with a air pump hooked up to the battery to keep them alive and frisky.
This is my kind of muskie fishermen I thought as we loaded his gear up into the boat. We had a great time and shared some storys. This was just the start of KLY's frienship with me. Since then we talked through PM's, at the shows and on the water.
Last winter I had the honor of hosting Joel's(Tuffy1) batchlor party on the ice late icefishing. Kyle was there to support Joel as were about 30 other of his Joel's friends. What a great time we all had, Kyle, as usual was in the midle of most of the antics. That should not surprize anyone being the jokester he was.
This is going to be a tough week without the little man with a GREAT BIG HEART.
I am going to miss you Kyle, rest in peace my friend.................................. |
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Posts: 155
Location: Watertown MN | My deepest sympathy for Kly's family and friend, it is tough to see someone so young lose his life with so much ahead him yet to accomplishin life. I never had a change to meet him, but he sounds like a true musky nut, and we all know what great people musky nuts are when all differences are set aside. Hope your fighting the big one up in heavan
Sincerely
Troyz
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Posts: 96
Location: Eden Prairie, Mn. |
My deepest sympathies to the Stefanski family, loved one's, close friends and his fellow anglers.
Why ? Who cannot let this flame burn on. Bright and crackling in youth, to see it grow strong and deep in adulthood then in
time slowly fade to the age of embers and wisdom, giving so many warmth, joy and security.
What explains the winds that fanned his young flame so bright, only to then suddenly wane and allow it to be snuffed out.
Was his purpose in life fulfilled - and called 'home' - We do not know - So hard to understand. Such an ambassador of
life was seen on the horizon, ready to leap onto his long and fruitful endeavor of life. Now ?
Life is not fair but, equal. Everyone has the opportunity, what we do with this gift is our choice - This young man chose to
spread life.
I have never met the young man, as I sit here a mere miles from some of his friends and fellow anglers
and others thousands of miles away, reading all of your posts conveying sympathy and sorrow to his family and
the recounting of fond memories. I feel you have passed on to me what he was in life and what he will bring in spirit.
God Bless
Mother
Thomas Wilmer
ps- For those who've known him, their will be a moment on the water some time soon that will be very difficult, follow your
heart. You will honor him rightly.
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| I have known Kyle since 1987. I have memories stretching as far back as sitting in the hallway(as punishment) for lunch while serving detention at St Marys with Kyle. Kyle never passed up a moment to test the limits. Playing baskeball and football with kyle for a number of years. Never before have I met someone who was able to play with such a presence and energy on the court and field. Though Kyle was not given extreme height, God did bless him with the biggest heart ever imaginable. That is what is making it so hard for me to think of is that his heart gave way. That heart which filled all of our lives with precious memories. I have many memories formed during the precious college years with kyle as well. The first year at Iowa when I suggessted that a group of our college buddies take a trip to a lake which I have been lucky to fish for ten years, and Kyles whole hearted I LOVE IT reaction. AS the Trip began Kyle boated a 41 inch northern. Not only did that fish change Kyle but its effect on all of us was tremendous. That was the moment I see as defining Kyles love of large freshwater fish. Kyle you hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever keep your memory alive in every cast I throw. And especially with every birdsnest I have. Let us all keep that large heart of Kyles alive, by keeping thoughts of the man who was large enough to play center for all of our teams.
Kyle I Love You,
Michael Lucado
One final note, I came across a poem Kyle wrote in 8th grade which I would be honored to share with all of you.
TIME TO GO AND GROW
The day has come,
It’s time to grow,
We’ve been together eight years or so,
And now it’s time to go.
We’ve been there for each other
through thick and thin,
Growing strong with each other,
Caring for one another,
But now it’s time to go.
Being clowns and getting into trouble
And making frowns, laughing together,
Crying together, being there for each other.
Now it’s time to part,
Letting go of each other to grow,
And now it’s time to go.
Kyle Stefanski
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Posts: 150
| Mother and Muchado, Thanks for the beautiful words. I never got to meet KLY but got a big kick out of reading his posts. I too now feal like I missed out not knowing him but with all the great stories I have been able to catch up.
I plan to fish this Friday and my first and last cast of the day will be for KLY and all the guys who knew him and are hurting. My thoughts are with you all.
From all the pictures and stories Kyle must have loved to laugh.
"Fishing should be the exercise of your skills-and its rewards the places it brings you to."
-Negley Farson
Going Fishing
Edited by Randy Whiteman 6/16/2004 9:44 PM
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Posts: 367
Location: Chicago | This is terrible. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Great guy who I never met, but offered to fish with me without ever meeting him, just talking in chat. terrbile sad day.
God Bless |
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| Kyle was not only my brother, but my bestfriend and THE finest man and angler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He loved this website and chatting and fishing with everyone here. My last outing with my brother was in march, he retrained me on my casting so well that his huge ass lure went into the tree on shore. We laughed our asses off and he said "now that was a decent cast!" (of course we went ashore to get it out). I am truely touched by all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers...reading this helped me feel for a moment his excitement and energy about muskies again. I love my brother more than life itself and when I find him in heaven someday, I'll hook my first muskie with the man and hero who impressed us all with his skills, energy and humor.
There is a reason why God took him up soooo young....he was an angel on earth and had the patience of a saint...he has touched so many people's lives with his enthusiasm for life, terrific sense of humor, and drive to be the best at whatever he put his mind to.
Grieving Sister,
Nicole Stefanski |
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| While only meeting him breifly as I swapped a lure with him at a show, which I have not yet used. It just seems that I've known him, because of this board. I never was fortunate enough to fish with him. I feel a loss just in that. He touched a lot of people, more than most realize.
I can see that we lost a good one.
Dan White |
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Posts: 169
Location: Elgin ,IL | <p>It's so hard to comprehend this loss. I will miss him! Guys, I wish I could have made the wake last night; however, my mom is in the hospital trying to hang on. I spent another long night in ICU with her. Nonetheless, Kyle you will be missed dearly!! May God bless you & keep you safe! Our love & support will go out to those you've left behind! There won't be a time on the water when I won't think of you!</p><p /> |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Hi Rich, Our Prayers are with you and your Mom as well
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| First saw this now and I am truly sad. I really enjoyed reading his posts and could see how much he impacted his friends and those that met him. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fishing buds. I know this is hard to comprehend. He seemed like a good spirit that will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
Wade |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | As I sit here ...I'm in tears. I haven't been on the board in a while and I'm shocked by this news!
I never met him but my heart aches for his family and all you who were fortunate enough to be his boat partners through the years. I agree that his energy and enthusiasm for muskies came right through this board and touched all who enjoy this great sport called "Fishing".
May we meet someday soon my friend......
Steve Johnson (StephenDawg) |
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Posts: 82
| Wish I could have met him..... My prayers are with his family and friends.
Jim |
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Posts: 7119
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | bttt |
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Posts: 7
| I found a Ralph Waldo Emerson writing that I feel Kyle lived his life by...
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of flase friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nic |
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