Gerald "Jerry" Stecker

Gerald R. “Jerry” Stecker, a baptized and beloved child of God was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at UW Hospital in Madison following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born March 17, 1951 in Oshkosh, the first child of ten to Roger and Joanne (Hansen) Stecker. He graduated from Oak Creek High School in 1969. After a few years of moving about he married the love of his life, Susan D. Klusmeyer on December 2, 1978 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wild Rose. They made their home in Mt. Morris for the 47 years of their marriage.

He began his employment in Waushara County working at Nordic Mountain in Mt. Morris. In 1980 he went to work for the G.R. Kirk Company and was a field supervisor for the majority of his 26 years with the company. Jerry’s favorite job was Sr. Building & Grounds Coordinator for CAP Services in Wautoma from 2007 until his retirement in 2017.

Jerry was a faithful servant of the Lord and a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wild Rose. He served consistently as President, Elder or Trustee of the Church Council through the years and was currently President of the Fellowship Group. He taught Sunday School for 25 years and not only taught Vacation Bible School but was instrumental in the planning and preparations. Together with his wife he was also a youth group leader. It was most important to Jerry that he encourage his spiritual growth through individual and group bible study.

Jerry and his wife started bicycling in the late 90’s. This passion led them to participate in 15 guided week long bicycle tours in 7 states through their riding years. He was an avid rock hound. Two trips mining Herkimer Diamonds in New York were the highlight of that hobby. Jerry’s enthusiasm for bow hunting later shifted to shooting photos with his numerous trail cameras on his property. He liked sharing the wildlife photos with others. He enjoyed being outdoors, including nurturing his peony garden, caring for the birds of his yard and mushroom hunting. He loved spending time with family and his “grandchildren-by-love” Shannon, Declan, Olivia and Kathryn.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan D. Stecker; his parents, Roger and Joanne Stecker, Oshkosh; three sisters: Kathleen (Dennis) Rego, Oshkosh; Bonnie (Rev. Roland) Lindeman, Brownsburg, Indiana; Cheryl (Timothy) Moseley, Mukwonago; four brothers: David Stecker, Franklin; Daniel Stecker (Sandy Mathews), Montello; Jeffrey (Gloria) Stecker, Eden; Thomas (Roberta) Stecker, Trevor; mother-in-law, Doris Klusmeyer, Wild Rose; father-in-law, Robert W. (Joyce) Klusmeyer, Pewaukee; sister-in-law, Carol Michalowski, Stevens Point; two brothers-in-law, Paul Klusmeyer, Wautoma; Robert (Denise) Klusmeyer, Montello. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Jerry is reunited in heaven with one brother, Mike Stecker; one sister, Jean Ann Stecker; his sister-in-law, Mary Klusmeyer Simich; and a special nephew, Richard J. Gibbons.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wild Rose with Pastor Brian Roehrborn officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A private burial with family at Oak Hill Cemetery in Wild Rose will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 420 Park Avenue, Wild Rose, WI 54984. The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com