Don "Stick" Stelter

Don “Stick” A. Stelter, 77, of Sparta, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Gundersen Health Systems, La Crosse. He was born September 11, 1947 to Donald D. and Cozette (Miller) Stelter, in Sparta. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School.

After high school, Don served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Korea. When he came back to Sparta, he worked at Fort McCoy as an Ammunition Handler, until his retirement. He also worked for Oakdale Electric, reading meters.

Don married Maribeth Curti. They later divorced.

Don loved his daily breakfasts at Dorine’s, playing cards at Lynda Lou’s, and taking drives around the area.  

He is survived by his adopted son, Brian Stelter of Minneapolis, MN; siblings, Patricia Houp of Bainbridge, PA, Doug (Gloria) Stelter, Diana (Dennis) Puls, Debbie Overdahl, Randy Stelter, Rick Stelter, Ron Stelter, and Rita Eklov all of Sparta; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosalie Ikert; and adopted daughter, Becky Stelter.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Brian Young officiating. Full military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100, both of Sparta, will follow the service at the funeral home.

A Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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