Joel Thomas Stigler, 54, of Hawkins, died peacefully in Eau Claire on Saturday evening, Sept. 25, 2010, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of Mary Stigler (Albert) Munkacsy of Brookfield and Thomas H. (Carol) Stigler of Waukesha.

Born Dec. 4, 1955, in Milwaukee, he was raised in Waukesha before moving to Ladysmith in Rusk County in August 1982, and for a time lived in Winter. In spring of 1989, he bought land and built himself a log cabin and log garage in Hawkins where he resided with his loving soul mate, Sondra Kenny, until his death. Joel was an avid and knowledgeable hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman.

In addition to his parents and Sondra Kenny, Joel is survived by his son, Shane Michael (Tiffany) Stigler of Hudson. Other survivors include his three sisters, Patti (James) Frost of Muskego, Cheryl (Robert) Beck of Waukesha and Paula (Joseph) Zupke of Sussex; four brothers, Mark (Sherri) Stigler of Waukesha, Steven (Kell Lebal) Stigler of Hawkins, Thomas (Joan) Stigler of Milwaukee and Michael (Jennifer) Stigler of Sullivan; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Joseph Stigler; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brian James Stigler, in 2000; and two nephews, Victor Brian Stigler in 2002 and Jacob Matthew Stigler in 2007.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Hawkins.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Chapel and Eau Claire Crematory in Eau Claire.