Stephen R. Schuettpelz

Stephen R. Schuettpelz, 70, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, after being admitted to the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton.

He was born on Jan. 5, 1951, in Suring to Roy and Mavis Schuettpelz. They raised him and his brothers, Marty and Les, on a farm in the Town of Breed. As defensive tackle for the Suring Eagles, he was one of many local heroes when they won the M&O Championship in 1965. He carried stories from those years, as well as his love of football, for the rest of his life. Other notable friends and family on the team that year were Jay Kostreva, Larry Dufek, Ken Schuettpelz, Mike Forrest and his brother, Marty. He graduated from Suring High School in 1969.

After graduation, his cousin, Bonnie, introduced him to a woman named Mary, whom he later came to marry at St. Michael’s Church in Suring in 1979. After marriage, they moved to Shawano for employment with the Shawano School District. He was employed by it for 40 years. Together, Steve and Mary bought a house and raised two children, Sarah Kay and Robert Martin.

Steve loved to hunt, ice fish, chop wood, play cribbage and tell stories. Steve spent a lot of time with his best friend, Swede. Steve was every pet’s favorite human. He was an incredibly hard worker and knew the exact way to complete every task.

Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary; daughter, Sarah Schuettpelz (Allen Moede), of Hayes; son, Robby Schuettpelz (Buddy Giguere), of Milwaukee; granddaughter, Alli Moede; brother, Leslie (Rita) Schuettpelz, of LaCrosse; brother, Marty Schuettpelz, of Kansas City, Missouri; other relatives, Robert and Sharon Giese, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, Linda Goddard, of Shawano, and Debbie Forrest, of Mountain, Tom and Debbie Giese, of Green Bay, and mother-in-law, Sally Giese, of Suring.
He will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews, Meshell, Tara, Mandie, Branwen, Clara and Chad; and more family and coworkers and friends than can be listed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Schuettpelz; and mother, Mavis Schuettpelz.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Aug. 8, at noon at the How Community Building, 12896 State Highway 32, Suring. Steve will be cremated and held by his wife, Mary.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is helping the family.

The family would like to thank the staff, specifically Dr. Mitch, John and Taryn at the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. Thank you to all of the other doctors who have seen Steve during the last years. For the care and compassion given to Steve and his family, thank you.

In lieu of flowers, pour yourself a drink and make it strong.