Earl W.R. Stegemeyer, of Waldo, joyfully joined the throng
of sainted believers in Christ on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Sunny Ridge
Rehabilitation Center in Sheboygan, at the age of 81.
He was born on a farm in the Town of Wilson on July 23,
1936, the second son of William G. and Viola N. (Goetsch) Stegemeyer. He was
baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, and confirmed at Our Redeemer
Lutheran Church, Sheboygan.
Earl attended Elementary Schools in rural Sheboygan and
Waldo. He graduated from Waldo High School in 1954.
Earl served in the U.S. Army and in the Army Reserve
during the Cold War years. He was a graduate of the Army Administration School
and served in that capacity at several military sites. He was discharged as a
staff-Sargent.
Earl graduated from Sheboygan County Teachers College. He
furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a Master of Science degree from the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and an Adult Education certification from the
University of Wisconsin-Stout.
He learned his knowledge of building and construction
working with his father and other building contractors during summers and on some
weekends.
He taught Elementary School in Sheboygan County, served
as Elementary Principal at Batavia School and then at Random Lake Elementary
and Junior High School. He later was an instructor in the General Ed. Dept. at
Lakeshore Technical College. In later years, he was a real estate associate and
a sales associate of building materials at Menards.
On July 5, 1969, Earl was united in marriage to Ruth Ann
Schulz at St. John Lutheran Church, Sherman Center. They had two children, Amy
Lynn and Kurt. They resided in Random Lake for nine years and then moved to the
family farm in the Town of Lyndon.
Earl was an avid reader. He subscribed to many magazines
and had an extensive library of books, becoming well-versed in many subjects,
his favorites being history and science. He enjoyed watching baseball and
football games of many different teams on TV. His favorites were the Brewers
and the Packers. He also enjoyed attending games at Miller Park.
Earl was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Waldo.
Earl’s daughter, Amy, preceded him in death in 2005,
leaving her two children in the care of Earl and his wife, Ruth. Ruth Ann was
called to heaven in 2006. Earl’s son, Kurt, preceded him in death in 2015.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, his
in-laws, Albert and Linda Schulz, his older brother, Roger, and numerous aunts,
uncles, and cousins.
Survivors include; His two grandchildren: Anthony and
Anita Florencio of Adell; Two brothers-in-law: James (Mardell) Schulz of Random Lake and Roy
Schulz of California; Four Nieces and Nephews: Donna (Jan) Borgwardt of Rural
Adell, Perry Schulz of Oregon, Dennis Schulz of rural Random Lake, Penny Jones
of CA.
He is also survived by one aunt, cousins, other relatives
and many friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday (January 20,
2018) at 3:00 P.M. at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Rev. Shane Cota, Pastor
of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Waldo will officiate.
Burial will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sherman
Center.
Visitation will take place at Suchon Funeral Home on Saturday
(Jan. 20) from 1:00 P.M. until time of Services.
In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund is being established
in Earl’s name for St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Waldo.
Plymouth VFW World Cheese Center Post # 5612 will conduct
military rites following the services at the Funeral Home.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is
assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
“I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning
those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as other who have no hope. For if
we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him
those who sleep in Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
