Lee Stilwell

Lee Stilwell, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI, surrounded by the love of his family after several years of challenging health issues.

Lee was born on April 9, 1941, in Fort Wayne, IN the son of Albert and Rowena (Bevington) Stilwell. He lived a life defined by service, curiosity, faith, family, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Lee is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rebecca "Becky" (Zorn) Stilwell; his beloved Yorkichon, Sweet Pea; his daughter, Leisha (Don) Schunk of Neenah, WI; his son, Scott Stilwell of Colorado Springs, CO; his sister, Marilyn Kazwell of Corpus Christi, TX; four grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Zachary Stilwell.

Born with a servant's heart, Lee dedicated much of his life to helping others. His educational journey reflected that calling. He attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, studied at Indiana University, and later attended the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Throughout his career, Lee worked with a variety of social service organizations, including Neighborhood Services Association, Fort Wayne, IN; Christamore House, Indianapolis, IN; and the American Red Cross, where his work took him to Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Later, he became an independent sales representative for EZ Way, Inc., a medical equipment supplier. He continued building that business until retirement, eventually passing the business to his daughter, who proudly continues his legacy.

Outside of work, Lee found joy in the things he loved most: family, the outdoors, antique vehicles, and life on the farm. He had a passion for restoring and driving antique automobiles, including a 1918 Davis, a 1926 Model T, a 1927 Buick, and a 1966 Oldsmobile convertible. He also enjoyed John Deere and Ferguson tractors and never lost his appreciation for machinery, craftsmanship, and history.

Perhaps nowhere was Lee happier than at Sunset Llamas. He lovingly restored a historic 1909 barn to house his llama herd and cared deeply for the twenty acres of land surrounding it. The llamas kept the pastures neatly maintained, and the farm became a reflection of Lee's creativity, hard work, and love of nature. After lightning struck a tree he had planted on "Llama Hill," he commissioned a chainsaw-carved totem featuring many of the birds and animals that frequented the property, creating a lasting tribute to the land he cherished.

Lee was also a strong supporter of the Ice Age Trail. His commitment to conservation led him to dedicate a portion of his land to connect an existing section of the trail, ensuring future generations could enjoy the beauty of the Wisconsin landscape he loved so much.

Those who knew Lee will remember his curiosity, determination, generosity, and willingness to help others. Whether through his professional work, his community involvement, his farm, or his family, he sought to leave things better than he found them.

A few days before his passing, after suffering a setback and fall, Lee offered a simple but powerful prayer:

"Dear Jesus, I've tried my best, but if You are ready for me, I'm ready to come home. My body hurts and makes me tired. Take care of my family that I'm leaving behind and make sure they know how much I love them and that I tried my best to get them ready to keep my memory alive when I'm gone."

Those words capture the essence of Lee's life: faith, humility, love for his family, and a desire to leave them prepared for the future.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, www.iceagetrail.org or Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli, PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508.

In keeping with Lee's wishes, a gathering of family and close friends will be announced at a later date. Rather than a traditional memorial service, loved ones will come together to celebrate his life, his passions, and the many memories he leaves behind.

Lee will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever appreciated by all who knew him.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.