Earl H. Stache
Earl H. Stache, age 93, of Chilton died on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Calumet Ascension Hospital in Chilton. He was born August 21, 1929 in Rantoul, eldest of 12 children to the late William & Christina (Riemer) Stache.
Earl proudly served as a cook in the United States Army, and following his Honorable Discharge, he returned to the area and began working a short time at Manitowoc Ship Building. He then worked at Carnation Company in Chilton for 25 years before working full time at Gruett’s in Potter in 1979. The Gruett family and the entire staff there were like a second family to Earl and he remained working there until his retirement in 2007, never forgetting their kindness and care toward him.
He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul where he served those around him in every capacity he could, most notably singing in the Men’s and Mixed Choir. He was also a member of the Hilbert American Legion and served on the Potter Fire Department for 32 years.
Each and every year, Earl took time to tap maple trees and make homemade maple syrup to share with family and friends. He also enjoyed the simple pleasure of picking and cracking hickory nuts and picking strawberries. He could frequently be found riding his bike or playing cards with his friends. Earl was well known for traveling near and far for a good potato pancake and loved time ice fishing with his brother, Larry, and his good friend, Kenny Schneider.
For all of his love and devotion to his family and friends, Earl’s most cherished love was for his Lord, Jesus Christ. Those that met Earl, even for a short time, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was a devoted Christian and a pillar of faith. They knew this, not because he would speak eloquently the Gospel of Christ, but because he lived it every day. Earl’s life reflected well 1 Thessalonians 1:3: “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Survivors include his wife: Lillie; his children: Donna (John) Krueger, Judy (Brian) Parker, Steve (Leslie) Stache, Lynn (Paul) Geurts; 5 grandchildren: Laura Krueger, Lance Krueger and his significant other, Traci Westphal, Lyle (Sara) Krueger, Mark (Allison) Stache, Jordan Stache and his significant other, Molly Janda; 6 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and 7 siblings. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild: Josh Stache; and 4 siblings.
Funeral service will be at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul (N6081 W. River Rd. Hilbert) with Rev. Brett Simek officiating. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. A time of visitation will take place at the church from 1:00 pm until 3:45 pm on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
A special thank you to everyone who has enriched our parent’s lives in any way. There are too many to mention individually, but know that your love and kindness is truly appreciated.
Thank you, also, to the staff of Ascension Calumet Hospital and Calumet County Hospice for your constant compassion and kindness.