George William Stilen Jr.

George W. Stilen Jr., age 96, passed away on Monday May 4, 2026, at The Pines Post Acute and Memory Care. 

George William Stilen Jr. was born on January 12, 1930 to George W. Sr. and Ruth (Palmer) Stilen, in the town of Deer Creek. George grew up on a farm and attended the local country schoolhouse and graduated from the 8th grade. He joined the military and proudly served with the Army in the Korean war. George was united in marriage to Christine Trice on August 22, 1953 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Iola. Together the couple raised a large family of 12 children whom they loved very much, and always had room for more. They were very proud to teach their children and grandchildren the importance of a good work ethic. George was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 for 58 years and was always thankful for the employment opportunities he was given at Boldt Construction and Lunda Construction as a diesel mechanic. After his wife passed away in 2002, he married Diane Beyers on July 5, 2004, at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Deerbrook, where they were members. George loved having family and friends over at the lake for a big Fourth of July party every year. He could fix anything you brought to him and could build almost anything you wanted. He enjoyed watching sports on TV including the Packers and the Brewers. A gifted gardener, George loved keeping a large garden every year, and often grew tomatoes inside his home during the winter months. He also enjoyed everything racing whether it be watching NASCAR or attending races at the local racetrack. Another one of his favorite pastimes was snowmobiling in the wintertime. Since he moved down to Clintonville, he has been a member at Grace Lutheran Church in Bear Creek. 

George is survived by his children: Barb (Greg) Moldenhauer, Ken (Mary) Stilen, Betty (Tim) Miller, Cindy (John) Nassen, Ricky Stilen, Bev (Scott) Zempel, Dave (Mary) Stilen, & Jane Bessette
Step-daughter: Carmen Champion
Son-in-law: Mike Lorge
Daughter-in-law: Rhonda Stilen
32 grandchildren 
38 great-grandchildren
3 great-great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his first wife Christine in 2002; his second wife Diane in 2006; two daughters, Jill Stilen and Donna Lorge; two sons, Donald and Jeff Stilen; a son-in-law, Pat Bessette; and two grandchildren, Dawn Stilen-Barches and A.J. Miller.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on Monday May 11, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, with the Rev. Andrew Harris officiating. Military honors will be conducted following the service by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville. Inurnment will take place at Kempster Lakeside Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Monday morning at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Pines Post Acute and Memory Care for the love and care they showed George during his time there.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.