Murray “Bill” Stegath, age 81, of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022 (his birthday) at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI.
He was born May 27, 1941 in Escanaba, MI; son of Gordon and Genevieve (Gamble) Stegath. Murray served with the 1/327 Inf. in Vietnam from March 1966 through October 1968 after Basic Training at F. Polk, LA; AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA and Airborne Jump School at Ft. Benning, GA. He left the Army (ETS) from Vietnam with the rank of ES. Known in the Army as “Pops”, Murray was awarded the Bronze Star with V. Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge Basic and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm. He is a Lifetime Member of the 101st Airborne Association. He began his tour in Phan Rang and served in Tuy Hoa, Phan Their, Pui Bai, Kontum, Dak To and many other locations in two years on his way to build Camp Eagle near Hue.
On December 14, 1973, he married Perdita “Pat” “Hon” Haynes in Waukegan, IL and together they shared 44 years of marriage before her passing on March 23, 2018. Murray filled his home and our family with hilarious stories of his younger days, openly shared stories with his grandkids about his time serving in Vietnam and convinced two of his grandsons that he was a Green Power Ranger for over 10 years. He lived for his “Hon” and dedicated his life to taking care of her when she fell ill with cancer. He had a huge love of all dogs and the Green Bay Packers. Murray will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
After working many years as a drywaller and then a contractor, Murray made the decision to become his own boss and start up his own contracting business. He was very successful in his business ventures for about 10 years before deciding to retire. He and Hon spent most winters in Florida enjoying their time as snow birds. They also spent a lot of time traveling. He loved working in his shed, watching golf and spending time with family. He was an excellent baseball player in his youth and passed that knowledge on to his grandson being a coach for one summer.
Bill is survived by his son Don (Kellie) Stegath of Appleton; two daughters Jolene Stegath of Menasha and Vicky (John) Becker of Santa Clarita, CA; and four grandchildren Alex Stegath, Tayler Stegath, Nathan Stegath, and Randy (Deanna) Becker.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Genevieve Stegath; his wife Perdita “Pat” Stegath; and three sons.
We would like to sincerely thank all the staff at Olson Hall, 4th Floor, King Veteran’s Home for their kind, caring and compassionate work taking care of our dad/grandpa. These staff members have a job that only a special few can handle and they took the best care of our dad/grandpa. We cannot express our gratitude over the last 4 years. You are all heroes.
A Private Family Graveside Service is being held at a later date at the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King or to the Veteran’s Scholarship – Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.