Dorothy Agnes Stieve, age 89, of North Freedom, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 14, 2025. Dorothy, the daughter of George and Agnes (Steinhorst) Vertein, was born on June 17, 1936. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Springs. She graduated from Reedsburg High School with the Class of 1954. On February 23, 1957, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Duane L. Stieve, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Springs. A lifelong and devoted member of St. John’s in Rock Springs, Dorothy lived her faith through service to others. She worked at the North Freedom Post Office and MacArthur Towel, but her most cherished role was raising her children and caring for her family. She also volunteered with the American Legion Auxiliary Post 172 and lovingly prepared meals for the Meals on Wheels program. Dorothy found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. She loved sitting in her favorite chair, watching the town around her. The outdoors brought her peace, especially the hummingbirds that visited her yard. She looked forward to the holidays, especially decorating for them, and she treasured every gathering with her family. Many of her happiest hours were spent around a table with loved ones, playing Yahtzee and sharing laughter. She is survived by her sons, Duane Jr. (Kathy), Dale (Laurie), and Daryl (Janet); grandchildren, Allen Jr., Shelly (Jay Krumscheid), and Shawn (Amanda) Winecke, Jesse (Katie Gosda) Stieve, and Heather (Aaron) Green, Nathan (Stephanie Fuller), Logan Stieve, and Amber (Patrick) Pierce; great-grandchildren, Traton, Alexis, Autumn, Ethan, Axton, Kaelyn, and Kason Winecke, Porter and Ashton Pierce; great-great-grandchildren, Kendyl and Huntleigh Winecke; sister, Marilyn Vertein (Tyrone Manthey); sisters-in-law, LaVeta and Marie Vertein; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane L. Stieve; daughter, Diane Winecke; grandson, David Stieve; brothers, George, Kenneth, Allen and Carl Vertein; sister-in-law, Faith Vertein. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Springs, with Pastor David Karow officiating. Visitation will occur on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home, and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom.

Merry Kowalke November 15, 2025

Friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin

So sorry for the Loss of a Great Lady.She was So Special.

Merry Kowalke November 15, 2025

Friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin

So sorry for the Loss of this great Lady

Kristi Newcomb November 15, 2025

Church member Reedsburg , Wisconsin

I'm very sorry for your loss

Janet Thompson November 15, 2025

Friend Plover , Wisconsin

So sorry for your loss she was a great lady

Brenda Emery November 16, 2025

Friend North Freedom , Wisconsin

Beautiful life. Sending prayers for comfort & peace during this difficult time

Jessi Hanger November 16, 2025

friend Baraboo ,

What a wonderful woman! I will miss her. She had such a big heart.

Ruth Kaczmarek November 16, 2025

Friend Old Neighbor Baraboo , Wisconsin

So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jerry & Ann Sommer November 16, 2025

Friend Marseilles , Illinois

So saddened to hear about your loss. Hugs and prayers to all of you through this tough time.

Dennis and Penny Quandt November 16, 2025

Friend Dothan , AL

Out thoughts and prayers go out to you all.Dorothy was a kind women and would do anything she could for anyone.

Wendy Stevens November 17, 2025

Friend North Freedom , Wisconsin

Dorothy was the sweetest lady and always had a smile for everyone!

Vicki Kissack November 17, 2025

Friend Rock Springs , Wisconsin

Many thoughts and prayers to your family as she was a great person!!

Cheryl Shanks November 20, 2025

Friend in Rural North Freedom North Freedom , Wisconsin

Her smile will stay with me forever. She was kind no matter what was happening in her life. Heaven has gained another angel, who will shine down on all her loved ones until they join her. My condolences to the Stieve family.

Terri (Vertein) Mueller November 20, 2025

Cousin Madison , Wisconsin

I was saddened to hear of Dorothy's passing. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Jeff November 21, 2025

Friend Prairie du Sac , Wisconsin

Dale, Dodi and I send our condolences on the passing of your mother. Wishing you and your family peace.