Obituaries

Orville G Stecker

Nov. 25, 1925 - Nov. 18, 2025 - Chilton, WI

Funeral Service

Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

11:00 am


Trinity Lutheran Church

N6080 W. River Road

Hilbert, WI 54129

Funeral Visitation

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI

Funeral Visitation

Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

10:00 am - 10:45 am


Trinity Lutheran Church

N6080 W. River Road

Hilbert, WI 54129

Orville G Stecker

Chilton WI

Orville G. Stecker, age 99 (almost 100) of Stockbridge, died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Century Ridge in Chilton.  He was born November 25, 1925 in the Town of Rantoul, son of the late George & Adela (Riemer) Stecker.  

On October 28, 1948, Orville married Rosaline “Rosie” Behnke in Reedsville, WI.  

Orville was born, raised and farmed the family homestead of his father and grandfather until his retirement in his early 70 years.   

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul where he was baptized, confirmed, and now proclaims eternal life.   

Orville was a committed husband, who worked side by side with his wife for many years and visited her every day at the nursing home for the last 4 years of her life. 

He was a humble man who was proud of being a farmer and relished in a hard day of work.  When time allowed, you might have seen Orville enjoying a cold Miller High Life, having conversation with friends/family or playing a good game of sheepshead. He also was never one to turn down a good cookie or dessert after a meal.

As someone who learned a few things throughout life, Orville was always willing to chat with anyone who would lend an ear.  He especially enjoyed teaching his grandsons how to fish, but most importantly, how to catch bullheads out of the Manitowoc River at the Orange Bridge. 

As he aged, which he did so gracefully, you would often hear him saying, “when you get old.”  excepting aging as part of life.

Beyond all else, Orville’s faith was paramount. He was 1 week from celebrating his 100th birthday on earth, but is now enjoying the ultimate celebration in heaven.  

Orville will be missed by his children:  Don Stecker, Mike Stecker, and Connie (Bernie) Simon; grandchildren, Eric (Kayla) Simon and Curt Simon and significant other, Camryn Braun; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Orville is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie; son, James; siblings: Vernon (Arlene) Stecker, Verona (Edgar) Klessig, Cordia (Louis Klessig, Wallace) Zahn; and many siblings in law. 

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm and on Monday at the church from 10:00 am until 10:45 am.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see photos of the flowers or gifts given to the family.  

The Family of Orville would like to specially thank the care team at Century Ridge in Chilton who provided him with not just a place to live but a “home” for the last 3 years of his life.  

Condolences


Connie and Bernie and family, so sorry for the loss of your dad. Cherish the memories!

Jackie Schneider (Friend) 2025-11-24 21:50:06

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Lyle Bangart (Friend) 2025-11-24 19:12:29

Dear Connie and Bernie, we send love , so many memories you must have,,,embrace all. God bless you

Ellie Papendieck (Friend) 2025-11-23 18:45:37

What a Blessed Life he had! May you feel the Peace of God... With Heartfelt Sympathies, Ken & Sue

Ken & Susan Pruess (Friends) 2025-11-22 07:45:53

Orville was such a kind person and great neighbor. My condolences to the family. At a week shy of 100, he definitely lived a full life. Forever is always tough, but know he loved each of you. Cherish the memories during this time and always.

Brenda Ecker (Neighbor ) 2025-11-21 19:26:57

Don and Family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. Many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and working for the them on their family farm. Such a wonderful family. Prayers to you all.

Kelly Propson (Friend) 2025-11-20 19:57:50

I'm so glad I stopped in to see him a few weeks ago. He was such an inspiration. He was always so thankful. He kept telling me that seeing he made it to 99, he might as well go for 100. He was a very special person.

Cathy Rusch (Friend ) 2025-11-20 19:25:52

Dear Connie and family, you have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad. I always loved visiting with him when he would come visit the boys when I was working for you, he always made you feel like you knew him for ever. May he rest in peace, and may you all find peace in the wonderful memories that he has left you with!

Kim Wettstein (Friend) 2025-11-20 18:55:12

I can strongly say Orville is the sweetest man I have ever met. From the handshake after you are finished helping him, to his kind words. Every morning it was the same thing. “Time to milk my cows!” It was a honor to care for orv. My condolences go out to all of his loved ones.

Marlie Boettcher (Caregiver) 2025-11-20 17:10:22

I only knew him for a few weeks but I loved hearing about his farm and all of his cows. Best thing was everytime I went to say hey to him he was always so smiley at me and always got a smile on my face. I loved caring for him

Hailey Couillard (Caregiver) 2025-11-20 16:16:35

Orville was such a sweet man. He would always greet me with a smile and tell me all about the cows he use to milk and of course tell me “when you get old”. My deepest condolences to his family.

Nicole McKay (Caregiver) 2025-11-20 15:12:24

Don, Mike and Connie and family, we send our deepest sympathy. Orville was my grandpa's neighbor, "Shorty" Jannsen. He will be greatly missed. We send strength, peace and comfort.

Debra Jannsen Roewer (Friend) 2025-11-20 08:39:31

As soon as I met him I had a connection with him. He was the sweetest guy and I loved hearing about his cows and his stories! I was always fascinated with them! I had the joy of taking care of him at night and building a bond with him! We are all going to miss them so much and we love him! He had a great long life and will still be appreciated and loved! I am sorry for your loss!

Brittany Brown (Caregiver) 2025-11-19 23:03:26

It was an HONOR to care for Orv. Such a wonderful peaceful man. His love radiating through out the whole facility. His smile, his laugh, his hand shake when you would finish helping him with anything to make sure you know how much he ment thank you. We all loved Orville as if he was own own family member. I'll always hear him saying , "to get old" , " let the lazy old man help " , "get up old horse". He would always say " I'm not sure if I'll make the 100 or not" And to all of us He SURE DID! ONE WEEK SHY ISNT TO SHABBY OLD MAN. We all love you. And will hold you close to our heart for ever. Rest peaceful my dear ??

Emma cobb (Caregiver ) 2025-11-19 22:29:43

My memories of Uncle Orville both recent and past, were that he was a very humble and kind man! He loved the Lord and made a point of that numerous times when I saw him this summer, he said he was ready to go to his eternal home!...Enjoyed sharing a beer together and lots of laughs!...look forward to seeing him again!...his heart was pure and he was at peace in his journey!

Todd Klessig (Great Nephew) 2025-11-19 17:33:38

Aunt Rosie and Uncle Orville were always so special and we always looked forward to visiting them on the farm and later at their home. God blessed them with a happy marriage and a true faith as they fulfilled His purposes on this Earth

Judie (Zahn)Jones (Niece by marriage) 2025-11-19 17:02:58

Our sympathy to Don and family. We will always enjoy the wonderful memories of Orv for his usual Perky attitude and Big, Happy, Smiles. I enjoyed our daily conversation as we met , on his daily walks around the block. So Many Great memories over the years with him! Rest in peace ????

Rich & Gail Thiel (Friends ) 2025-11-19 13:08:05

Orville was a jolly gentleman who always enjoyed company and a good beer. Planned to visit him for several months but time flew by and now we will just enjoy the memories and seeing his children and reminiscing about him and Rosie. God be with you all!

Gary and Joan Lemke (friend) 2025-11-18 20:39:27


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