Obituary: David “Dave” J. Stehula

David “Dave” J. Stehula, 77, of Appleton, WI (ne Brillion), passed peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024, while surrounded by his family. He was born on May 29, 1947 in Manitowoc, WI to Julius and Bernice (Brantmeier) Stehula.

Dave was a car enthusiast and an avid hunter/fisherman. He will be remembered for his “dad jokes,” pancakes, and zest for leaf-blowing. Dave was a proud Army Reserve veteran whose greatest love was his family.

Dave is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Abby (Theresa) and Rachel (Zo), his grandchildren Laomani and Lila, sister Helene Burmeister, sister-in-law Mary Stehula, many neighbors, friends and extended family. 

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leon and Ed, brother-in-law Dale Burmeister, nephew Chad Siegwarth and many friends.

The funeral liturgy for David will take place on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. in Appleton with Fr. Joseph Dorner officiating and military honors to follow. A visitation for David will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St. in Appleton, on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again at church on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 9:00 am until the time of mass. Interment will take place at Holy Family Cemetery in Brillion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation for a scholarship fund to be established in David's name for a graduating senior of Brillion High School to pursue post-secondary education.

The family would like to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care.