James A. Stecklein, age 71, of Belmont, WI, completed his earthly journey on July 21, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Belmont Mound State Park, 18650 County Road G in Belmont, WI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on July 25, 1953, in Dubuque, IA, a son to James and Shirley (Birch) Stecklein.  Jim was bold and unflinching.  When his mind was set, there was little changing it.  This quality made his loyalty and commitment unquestionable.  His sense of humor was almost constant and he enjoyed a good practical joke or spooking a friend.  He worked as a janitor at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and this is where he met the love of his life, Karen Ringelstetter and enjoyed 17 loving years together.  He raised six children and loved them all.  Jim always made the most out of each day he was given and when health issues arose a couple of years ago, he fought the good fight and did everything he could to take care of his family throughout the time which remained.

Jim had always said his worst day hunting was better than his best day at work.  He also enjoyed trapping, tanning the hides and making something with it.  He served on the Board of Directors for the Belmont Sportsman Club and continually shared his knowledge and wisdom with all who would listen while enjoying the company of his fellow hunters.  His other love was “Wind Therapy”.  Whether with a crew of friends or out on his own, his time on his Harley was both calming and liberating.  The owner of Spanky’s Tattoos, he was well known in the community for his skill with the needle and charisma with the customers.  Jim was never afraid to talk to anyone and made many friends.  Often, Jim would insist on reimbursing people for favors, but if you attempted to repay Jim, he wouldn’t take it.  He made a difference in every life he touched along the way and certainly won’t ever be forgotten.  We can be thankful we had the privilege of knowing him while he was here.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his loving wife,
Karen Stecklein, Belmont, WI;

his children,
Deanna (Mike) Holder, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Glen Stecklein, Platteville, WI,
Jeremiah Stecklein, Jacksonville, N.C.,
Heather (Thaddeus) Foust, Dubuque, IA,
Joe (Gina) Stecklein, Dodgeville, WI,
and Willow Stecklein, Belmont, WI;

his grandchildren,
Krystal (Isai) Holder, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Tony Holder, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Luke Novinski, Barneveld, WI,
and Carter Novinski, Dodgeville, WI;

his siblings,
Tom (Mina) Stecklein, Lexington, KY,
Nick Stecklein, IA,
and Kathy Stecklein (Sister-in-law), Platteville, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Shirley) Stecklein; his brother, Pee Wee “Donald” Stecklein; his sister, Lisa Stecklein Warne; and his mother-in-law, Virginia Riter.

Jim’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com