Stanley Birkel

Stanley John Birkel, Jr, age 75, of Spring Valley, died peacefully at his cherished home in Gilman Township on Wednesday, November 4, 2025.

Stan was born September 22, 1950, to Stanley and Alice (Knerr) Birkel born in Red Wing and grew up in the warmth of family and community in Ellsworth where he attended Ellsworth Schools graduating with the Class of 1968.  Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served honorably in Germany, carrying that sense of duty throughout his life.  Stan pursued his passion for nature at UW-Stevens Point where he earned a degree in Forestry that reflected his deep connection to the outdoors.

He dedicated his career to Smead Manufacturing until retirement, where his strong work ethic and reliability touched many. 

On March 26, 1979, Stan married Nancy Verbout and together they were blessed with 4 children: Trestan, Nick, Jacquelyn and Matt.  Though later they were divorced the love and bond they created endured.

In a heartfelt chapter of his life, Stan found love again and married Sheila Tucker on Oct 8, 2011.  Their time together, though brief, was filled with joy until her passing in December 2012.

He has lived at his home in Gilman Township for about 45 years where he found joy in the simple pleasures of life: hunting, fishing, bonfires, and spending time outdoors.  His heart truly sang at Ellsworth Rod and Gun, where he delighted in catching brown trout and spending time in his garden at home. Stan's legacy lives on through the family he adored and the lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his dear wife Sheila; and his sister Rosie and her husband Norm Nelson.

Survivors include his children: Trestan and his fiancé Rochelle Lamprecht and son Gabriel; Nick (Shannon) Birkel and children Cora and Cohen; Jacquelyn (Trevor) Currey and son Easton; and Matt (Carly) Birkel and children Ava, Miles, Rowan, and Maizy; his sister Sally (Russell) Grape; other relatives and a circle of friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. 

Stan will be deeply missed, but his spirit full of kindness, adventure, and unwavering love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 29, 2025 from 11-2 at Brother Michael Catholic Center, S105 Sabin Ave, Spring Valley WI 54767.  To honor the man who brought so much warmth to the world.

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