Stephen Arnold Wells

POYNETTE-Stephen Arnold Wells, age 66, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms on Thursday, October 25, 2012. He was born December 31, 1945, in Portage, to John and Doris (Anderson) Wells and spent his life in the Poynette area. On April 17, 1965, he married Judy Stiemke at Zion Lutheran Church in Leeds, a marriage that was blessed with the gift of four children and over 47 years of faithful love. During his lifetime, Steve worked at Rayovac; was a part-time police officer for the village of Poynette and served in the Poynette Fire Department and EMS. His main career was working 30 years for Oscar Mayer. Upon his retirement there, he worked for the state of Wisconsin. Many people share some of the joys Steve shared—bowling, fishing, following NASCAR, watching WWE Wrestling, the Brewers and the Packers. However, a great and singular passion for Steve was the establishment of a WELS mission congregation in De Forest. He not only worked to bring the congregation into existence, but was also a driving force in the construction of the church building. In 2004, Steve suffered a stroke. It would affect for him the rest of his life, but it could not take away his enjoyment of life. Assisted by his devoted wife, he continued to be a vital part of the life of his family and church. He spent his last days on earth surrounded by his wife and children, and quietly passed away on October 25th, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Brenda (Roger) Meixner of Arlington, his son Steven (Vicki) of Baraboo, his daughter Rhonda (Tom) Powers of Tomahawk, and his daughter Jana (Rob) McGregor of Harmony Grove. He is further survived by 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and by his sister, Johna Elsing of Poynette, his brothers, Jay of Harmony Grove, Jerry (Betty) of Poynette, Reed (Kathy) of Lodi, and his sisters Rita (Steve) Clift of Madison and Aleta Colvin of Portage. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Walter and Bernice Stiemke, and by his brothers, Jack and Bernie. Funeral visitation for Steve Wells will be held at the congregation for which he worked so faithfully, LORD OF LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 105 Paradise Circle, De Forest on Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at the church at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM. Committal will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Leeds. Cemetery: Committal will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Leeds. Funeral visitation for Steve Wells will be held at the congregation for which he worked so faithfully, LORD OF LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 105 Paradise Circle, De Forest on Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at the church at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM. Funeral visitation for Steve Wells will be held at the congregation for which he worked so faithfully, LORD OF LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 105 Paradise Circle, De Forest on Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at the church at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM.