Sam C. Stietz, age 48 of Gratiot, WI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 at his home. He was born April 4, 1967 in Monroe the son of Edward and Carol (Roethlisberger) Stietz. Sam graduated from Black Hawk High School in 1985. He was united in marriage to Kara J. Neuenschwander on July 27, 2002 in Monroe. Sam grew up in Gratiot where he lived his entire life. He worked on the Stietz family farm until 1991 when he started working for Craigo Grain in Monroe. In 1999, Sam became a crane operator for Carter Machine in Monroe and recently became owner and operator of the company.
    Sam is survived by his mother: Carol Stietz of Gratiot; wife Kara at home; four children: Katie (Larry Drewry) Stietz of Madison, Justin Stietz of Browntown, Tia and Clayton Stietz at home; six brothers: Wayne (Sherry) Stietz and Mark (Cristi) Stietz both of Argyle, Dale Stietz of New Castle, Wyo., Mike Stietz of Darlington, David (Julie) Stietz of Baraboo, and Dennis (Gina) Stietz of Gratiot; three sisters: LuAnn (Dean) Monson of Gratiot, Elaine (Jason) Vogel of Mineral Point, and Marilyn (Gene) Reardon of DeForest. He was preceded in death by his father in 2002; and mother-in-law: Karen Neuenschwander in 2013.
    Sam loved spending time with his family, particularly watching his kids play sports. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, four-wheeling, and spending time with his dogs. Sam was also a winemaker who enjoyed sharing it with his family and friends. He will always be remembered for helping others out at a moment’s notice and for his contagious laugh. Sam will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
    A funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 State Rd 78, South Wayne WI, 53587) with Rev. Mae Jean Zelle officiating. A visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
    For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Sam’s name.