On December 12, 2025, Joel Stephen Stecker, of Manitowoc, WI, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He was 72.
Joel was born on June 29th, 1953, son of the late Eugene and Lucille (Sonnenburg) Stecker. He grew up in Manitowoc and graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1971.
On September 14th, 1974, Joel was joined in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Ruth Pries at Immanual Evangelical Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on April 24th, 2019.
Joel was a painter by trade and known for his quality of work. He was a member of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church where he regularly served as an usher and on various boards.
From a young age, Joel was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trap shooting. During a hunting trip to Colorado, he came away with a prized Elk. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. He also spoke often of his 52” Muskie that he caught in 2011. Most recently, Joel has spent his time playing cards with family and dear friends.
Joel was known for his kind and gentle spirit. He was loyal, hardworking and loved his Lord. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Joel loved to travel to see his grandkids’ activities and taught them a thing or two about fishing.
Survivors include: his two daughters and sons-in-law: Sarah (Eric) Matthias, West Bend; Julie (Josh) Stephens, Appleton; five grandchildren: Audrey, Jacob and Anna Matthias; Finnian and Rowan Stephens; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Steve (Jane) Pries, Antioch, IL; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Sharon (Gary) Bouche, New Franken; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Daniel (Kay Lynn) Stecker, Manitowoc; Philip (Barb) Stecker, Cincinnati; and one sister and brother-in-law Ellen (Gary) VanDeLoo, Cleveland. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by wife, Marilyn Stecker, his parents: Eugene and Lucille Stecker; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Robert and Constance Pries; one infant daughter: Sally Stecker; one brother-in-law: Charles Pries; one sister-in-law: Nancy Pries.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. The Revs. Stephen Melso and Caleb Davisson will officiate with burial of his cremated remains at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers, at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 4:00 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
