Arthur Stiemke

Arthur James Stiemke, 86, of Neillsville, Wisconsin, was called home to his Lord on July 1, 2025.

Born to Henry and Bertha Stiemke on February 4, 1939, Art was a 1957 graduate of Neillsville High School and also completed the UW-Madison Agricultural Short Course. He married his devoted wife, Jeanne (Wendt), on July 7, 1973, and together they built a beautiful life spanning 51 years.

The open road was Art's calling. He spent his life as a truck driver, starting with hauling milk, then running his own grain business, and finally driving long-haul across the country. His incredible record of over 3 million accident-free miles was honored by the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. Never one to sit still, he continued to drive for Fellenz Farms until his final retirement in 2016.

Away from work, Art enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He found joy outdoors, whether he was hunting and fishing or carefully tending to the rose bushes he planted at home. He passionately cheered on the Packers and Brewers and loved to travel with Jeanne. A memorable Alaskan cruise marked his visit to all 50 states. Winters were happily spent in Florida, making new friends, playing pickleball and shuffleboard, and admiring incredible gardens with his beloved wife. Grounded in his faith, Art was a man of quiet strength and integrity.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Jacci Stiemke; his brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Wileen Stiemke; and his sisters, Irene Nickel and Verna Zimmerman.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Jeanette (Orin) Janke and Roselyn (Felix) Kotcon; and other cherished family members, Lloyd Grassman, John Zimmerman, and Sally Grassman.

Art will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for the open road, and his love of adventure. His legacy of hard work, integrity, and devotion to those he loved will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Art will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Globe, Wisconsin, where he will find eternal peace in the Lord's embrace.  

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI.  Visitation will be prior to the service Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. 

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Art’s family with Funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.