Obituary: Steven Erhardt Wordell

Steven Erhardt Wordell, age 66, of Brillion. God saw he was getting tired and took his hand and led him to his heavenly home on June 9, 2026.

Steve was born to Audrey and the late Erhardt Wordell, on June 26, 1959 in Green Bay. On May 12, 1984, Steve married Janelle Behnke.

Steve most recently worked at Neenah Papers until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the Packers and Brewers with his family.

He was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion as well as the Brillion Conservation Club and the West Maple Grove Club.

Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janelle Wordell. Their children: daughter, Abbey (Andy) Gipp, two sons: Kyle (Kayla) Wordell and Rob (Gina) Wordell. His six grandchildren: Elleson, Halleigh, Kori, Brinley, Karter, and Braxton. 

He is further survived by his mother, Audrey Wordell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sue (Russ) Cherney and Sandy (Rich) McWilliams; mother-in-law: Bernice Behnke; six brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim (Dori) Behnke, Jerry (Joyce) Behnke, John (Barb) Behnke, Joe (Wendy) Behnke, Jeff (Kerry) Behnke, and Judy (Jerry) Behnke; three Godchildren: Stephen Behnke, Craig Behnke, and Amanda Schroeder; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Steve is preceded in death by his father: Erhardt Wordell; father-in-law: Lester Behnke; and other relatives.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, Brillion. Officiating at the Service will be the Rev. Ross Henzi and the Rev. Nathan Moldenhauer with burial in Trinity Ev Lutheran Church Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.pielhop.com  In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Steve’s name. 

The family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes & Cremation Care Centers to honor Steve’s legacy of life.

The family would like to thank Joe Behnke for the care, compassion, and support shown to Steve and his loved ones during this difficult time.  The family would also like to extend a special thank you to St. Paul’s Home, Rev. Ross Henzi, and Rev. Nathan Moldenhauer for their care and compassion not only to Steve, but to us as well.