Dorothy Agnes Stieve

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.