Gaylord Orben Stuve, age 97 of Whitehall, died on Thursday, February 15, 2018 in the  Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall.

Gaylord was born on January 4, 1921 in the town of Lincoln, Trempealeau County, WI to George and Mabel (Johnson) Stuve.  He was the second of three children.

Gaylord grew up on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Whitehall.  Gaylord attended the West Lincoln Grade School and graduated from the Whitehall Memorial High School in 1938.  After graduation, Gaylord attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Gaylord enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served as a gunner on a B-25.

On March 2, 1946, Gaylord married Dolores L. Olson in the South Beef River Lutheran Church in rural Osseo.  They spent most of their 72 years of married life in Whitehall.

Gaylord was a member of the Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post #191 for 71 years and a member of the Operating Engineers for 70 years.  Gaylord ran heavy Caterpillar equipment in several states, building levees along the Mississippi River and constructing highways.  In 1986, Gaylord retired from Hoffman Construction Company in Black River Falls.

Because Gaylord was in road construction, he and Dolores were able to spend many winter months in Ft. Meyers, FL and then Yuma, AZ.  They made life long friends from around the country at both winter locations.

Following his retirement, Gaylord enjoyed working in his yard and their very large vegetable garden.  Gaylord could be found having a drink in in the late afternoon under a shady tree after spending time in the yard.

Gaylord was a great story teller and never forgot a joke.  Gaylord was an avid hunter and enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada.  He made two trips to Alaska, one with Dolores and one with his good buddies, Fred Staff and Alan Kastad.  Both the Packers and the Brewers would always be on TV whether they were winning or losing.  Gaylord and Dolores are blessed to have great friends including many Claire Street neighbors where they have resided since 1971.

Gaylord is survived by his wife Dolores; sisters-in- law, Arline Stuve and Janet Goudin and several nieces and nephews.

Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Adeline School; a brother, Curtis Stuve; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Olson and three brothers-in-law, Ronald School, Otis Olson and Art Goudin.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Pastor Peter Jonas will officiate.  Military rites will be conducted by the Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post #191.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

The family of Gaylord would like to especially thank the staff of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital for their excellent care and loving support during his seven day stay. "Tussen takk" for everyone's thoughts and prayers.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.