Allen Royse Stea

Allen Royse Stea age 81 of Wautoma earned his angel wings on Friday, Nov. 21st, 2025. He was the son of Arnold and Marjorie (Spaulding) Stea. He graduated from Wautoma HS in 1962 and earned his bachelors degree in Education from UWSP in 1966. Although he was offered a teaching position upon graduation, he decided to pursue an offer from Green Giant as a Field Man in Illinois. It was from that first career decision, that Allen became a lifelong farmer. He married Pat (Davis) and together they had three daughters, Karen, Kendra, and Kristy. As Allen's first marriage ended, he was unloading grain at a Co-Op when he looked down and noticed the top of a manhole cover that read Neenah, Wi. He knew it was a sign to head home to the family farm in Wautoma. There he operated a small dairy farm and later field crops and cattle until he retired his last steer to market in 2020. After relocating back to his home community, he met and married Linda Neuman (his wife of 47 years) and her two children Carolyn and Scott. Together they raised their family on the Stea homestead filled with love, faith, and pride.

Allen had a deep love of music, travel, writing poetry, and giving back to his community. Allen and Linda were able to combine music and travel on their many trips to The Opry in Nashville and Silver Dollar City in Branson. They were fortunate to enjoy some of their favorite musicians in a live format, such as Glen Campbell, The Statler Brothers, Marty Stuart, Loretta Lynn, Vern Gosdin, The Gibson Brothers, and Carrie Underwood to name a few. Allen himself loved to sing and play guitar, not only in church, but at many community functions and events. He and longtime friend, Dave Gunderson formed a musical duo called The Corner of G&S where they enjoyed performing locally and statewide.

Allen and Linda had many memorable travel adventures with Allen's sister and brother in law which took them all over the country and even to Norway! They also enjoyed family travel and waterpark gatherings with their children and grandchildren.

Allen's love for music and lyrics inspired him to be a great writer and poet. He wrote hundreds of poems over the years highlighting friendships, neighbors, family, and events. He proudly published his work in the Waushara Argus under his column: Notes From The Oat Bin. His favorite publishing's were his poems he wrote special for the birth of each of his grandchildren.

Allen was extremely proud of his five children and their accomplishments. He especially loved when they stopped to catch up on life and cherished the visits that ended in hugs and an I Love You.

Allen's love for his community was apparent in his commitment to serving and volunteering on countless boards, organizations and committees. Allen served as Town of Wautoma Supervisor for over 40 years. He also served on the Wild Rose/Theda Care Hospital Board, Wautoma and Wild Rose Area Fire District Board, Waushara County Fair Board, Adams-Columbia Electric Round-Up Board, Adams-Columbia Scholarship Board, Past Director of the Adams-Columbia Electric Board, Past Director of Tomorrow Valley CoOp Board, Manager of the Holt Scholarships for Wautoma and Wild Rose High Schools, and he also worked with the USDA. Allen was named Citizen of the Year in 2013!

Allen was a lifelong member of West Holden Lutheran Church where he served on the church board in many different capacities. Allen held a deep christian faith and loved serving the community and his family in a Godly manner.

Allen is survived by: his wife Linda, Children and grandchildren: Karen and Ken Riley, Bradley (Rayne) Schubert, Ryan Riley, Carolyn and Rob Albright, Evelyn Albright, Benjamin Albright, Kendra Stea, Kristy and Jonathan Butzlaff, Nora (Austin) Newcomb, Chase Butzlaff, Scott and Tonya Eagan, Samuel Eagan, William Eagan, & Olivia Eagan. Special granddaughter, Whitley Hawk and her girls, Aila and Letty. Sister and brother-in-law: Anne and Louis Dorwaldt

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff, doctors, and his many nurses at Theda Care Wild Rose and Appleton hospitals. A special Thank You to Dr. Wagner, Allen's surgeon, for his kindness and compassion. To Casey Brown and the staff at Bethany in Waupaca, your kindness, skilled care and sincerity will forever be appreciated. Thank you to Allen's hospice nurse, Paula. The daily care, compassion, and services were unmatched. Thank you to Pastor Amy Penza and Chaplin Vicki Jenks for their visits and prayers. Thank you to Jeff Stahl for making funeral arrangements so comforting and seamless.

Linda would like to especially thank her children and family members for making travel arrangements to bring her to see Allen every day during his hospital stays. She would also like to thank her many friends and family who have reached out to provide her with love, comfort, and support.

A funeral service will be held Sat. December, 20th at West Holden Lutheran Church, N4256 Cty. Rd. MM, Wautoma. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 am with a brief funeral service at 11:30. Fellowship in the church to follow.

In Leiu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Youth Groups at Holden Parish.