Glen Stuesser

Verona - Dr. Glen J. Stuesser, age 90, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016. His wish to live out his days at his beloved Verona home was realized. Glen died peacefully at home with his wife Joan and other family members at his side.

Born on October 11, 1926 in Richfield, Wisconsin, "Putt" was the youngest child of Eugene and Ella (Theisen) Stuesser. He grew up on a dairy farm in Richfield, graduated from Slinger High School, and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Forces. Upon completion of his service, he began his studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating from the UW School of Medicine in 1953. Dr. Stuesser practiced general surgery at Madison General/Meriter Hospital and as a partner at the Quisling Clinic. He served as Chief of Staff of the hospital for several years and retired in 1990.

Glen married his hometown sweetheart, Joan Wolf, on September 15, 1951. “Doc” and Joan dreamed of creating a home that would be a nature sanctuary. They moved their family to rural Verona in 1965 and lovingly worked their 15 acres to develop the beautiful property that it is today. Doc was a skilled and beloved surgeon, but his number-one passion was always his home life - his large family, his gardens, prairie, orchard, woodland wildflowers, and his cherished grove of American chestnut trees. He was never happier than when he was planting trees, sowing seeds, harvesting his fruits, vegetables and nuts, or tending his chickens, rabbits, and hunting dogs. Never content to sit idle, even in retirement, he became an expert on a variety of natural history topics and delivered educational talks to community groups. His children and grandchildren continue to pursue a love of nature and the outdoors, passions that they enjoyed with and learned from Grandpa.

Dr. Stuesser took an active role in his community. He was a key member of the Verona Optimists for many years. The club’s annual hamburger stand fundraiser at the Hometown Days celebration was his concept and contribution. He often visited school classrooms to present health and first aid/CPR instruction to youth.

Dad/Grandpa was a true renaissance man who never took himself too seriously, a patriarch, a family man who could hush a baby’s crying with ease, carefully chose a fond nickname for each of his loved ones, and kissed his wife every day. He was a pillar of vibrant strength around which our family grew and flourished. He cultivated his large, loving family as he did his land – with deft tenderness and tireless passion. We will miss him, but he will live always in the hearts and lands that were touched by his bright light.

Glen is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Linda Stuesser (Glen Tung), Laurie (Tom) Prehn, Lisa (Steve) Sailing, Anne (Bill) Tredinnick, Bill (Sharon) Stuesser, Betsy (Kevin) Scallon, Karen Stuesser (Rich Cornwell), and Mary Stuesser (Joe Hamel); his grandchildren, Heather Kolb, Casey Zingg, Aimee Zingg, Cara Prehn Despota, Alison Prehn, Kirsten Prehn, Erin Coleman, Jay Scharer, Jessica Hauge, Ben Tredinnick, Bob Tredinnick, Cody Stuesser, Hailee Stuesser, Katie Scallon, Andrew Scallon, Sarah Scallon, Emma Cornwell, Lily Cornwell, Eva Cornwell, Ian Olson, Bryn Olson-Greb, Maia Brunel-Hamel; 15 great-grandchildren and brothers Edward and Ralph. He is predeceased by his parents; a sister, Eugenie and a son-in-law, Craig Olson.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 on Saturday November 5, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 S. Enterprise Drive in Verona. A funeral rite will be celebrated at 2:30 at the funeral home with Father William Vernon presiding. Light refreshments will follow.

Sincere thanks to Agrace HospiceCare, and the many wonderful caregivers and volunteers who worked to enrich Dad’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Verona Optimist Club, Olbrich Gardens, or Agrace HospiceCare.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit http://www.ryanfuneralservice.com