Eleanor "Ellie" J. Stehula

Eleanor “Ellie” J. Stehula, age 85 of rural Manitowoc, was called to her eternal rest on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Froedtert Medical Center of Milwaukee. We take comfort in God’s promise, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord.” (Rev. 14:13)

The former Eleanor Bratz was born on February 17, 1940 in Newton, a daughter of the late Otto and Ilene (McMunn) Bratz. She was baptized into God’s Kingdom of Grace and confessed her faith in Jesus at her confirmation. She was a 1958 graduate of Washington High School in Two Rivers and later received an associate degree from Lakeshore Technical College “LTC”. Ellie worked for LTC, in Student Services, for many years and retired in 2002.

On July 19, 1958, Ellie married Tom Stehula, in Two Rivers. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2018. Ellie was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church. She enjoyed traveling, painting, crafting, sewing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her three children: Thomas (Diane) Stehula, Traci Stehula, Timothy Stehula (Michelle Tolentino); her significant other Roger Baetke and their special dog Bailey; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister: Elaine Coenen; sister-in-law: Carol Bratz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: David (Ruthie) Stehula; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Otto and Ilene Bratz; her husband: Thomas Stehula; one brother: Erwin Bratz; one sister and three brothers-in-law: Carol (Robert) Schroeder, Raymond Coenen, Brian Stehula.

Private services were held at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. The Rev’s Stephen Melso and Caleb Davisson officiated with burial in the Knollwood Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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