Edmund “Ed” Stegner, 98, formerly of Mequon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025.

Born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania in 1927, Ed lived a long and full life marked by kindness and an abiding appreciation for the world around him. Growing up during the Great Depression instilled in him lasting values of hard work, gratitude, and resourcefulness—principles that guided him throughout his life and shaped the way he approached his career, relationships, and his appreciation for life’s simple blessings.

After serving in the Navy, Ed earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Vincent College before beginning a long and successful career in the banking industry. He spent most of his professional life with First Wisconsin National Bank, where his honesty, steadiness, and integrity earned him the respect and trust of colleagues and clients alike.

Not long after starting his career, Ed met his beloved wife, Evelyn (Shelbo). Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Early in their marriage, they lived in Exeter, New Hampshire, where they developed lasting friendships through the Knights of Columbus. They later made their homes in Mequon, Wisconsin, and Sun City West, Arizona, where they continued to form deep connections and share many happy times playing sheepshead and enjoying rounds of golf with friends who became like family.

Upon retirement, Ed and Evelyn truly thrived. They spent countless hours outdoors-tending to their gardens, biking along country roads, hiking favorite trails, and traveling the world together. Ed found peace and joy in nature’s quiet rhythms. His green thumb was well known among friends and neighbors, and many passersby would pause to admire the beauty of his gardens. Evelyn preceded Ed in death, but their bond remains an enduring testament to their shared love of life and each other.

Ed is survived by his sisters, Mary Barbara (Palmer) and Nancy (Cusack); his children, Lynn, Ed and his wife Meg Trausch, Peter and his wife Laurie (Melting), and Tesa; and five beloved grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother James and sister Jo Anne (Herman). He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and generous heart. His legacy of kindness and gratitude will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Per Ed’s wishes, a funeral Mass and interment will be held in Honesdale, Pennsylvania this month. In the spring of 2026, a celebration of Ed’s life will take place in the Madison area, with the exact date and location to be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Vincent College Student First Scholarship Fund, or that you honor Ed’s memory by spending time outdoors, appreciating the natural beauty he so dearly loved.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Edmund Stegner

May 09, 1927 - November 09, 2025

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