Douglas D. Stelter

Douglas D. Stelter, 75, of Sparta, died Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse. He was born on December 30,1949 in Viroqua, to Donald D. and Cozette (Miller) Stelter. He grew up in Sparta.

Doug married Gloria Shefelbine on October 5, 1968 in Sparta at United Methodist Church. They lived most of their life in Sparta.

Doug worked at Sparta Co-Op as a service manager, and worked for the Parks and Rec Department in Sparta. Doug was also a member of the Sparta Eagles Club, Sparta City Fire Department for 12 years, and Sparta ambulance service with the jaws of life.

Doug enjoyed traveling with trips out west hunting and fishing in Canada. He also enjoyed playing softball, and playing golf. Doug also coached his daughter’s softball team. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.

Doug is survived by his wife, Gloria; children, Shellene (William Cox) of Tomah and Christopher (Heather Fox) Stelter of Sparta; grandchildren, Matthew (Hannah) Ewert, Tyler (Kylee) Ewert, Morgan (Daniel Baker) Stelter, and Cammi Stelter; great grandchildren, Lorelie, Hailey, Aubree, Ryan, Hadley and Owen; siblings, Patricia Houp of Bainbridge, PA, 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; and his beloved cat, Muffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosalie Ikert; brother, Don “Stick” Stelter; and niece, Becky Stelter.

The family would like to thank Bethany St. Joseph Care Center staff for the exceptional care Doug received during his stay there. Their therapy department is phenomenal. Also, thank you to Gundersen Health System of Sparta and La Crosse Clinics for his care on numerous visits.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Brian Young officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Sparta Eagles Club.

A visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday 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. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas D. Stelter, please visit our floral store.