Stuart “Stu” Craig Rivard, 70, of Gillett, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at home surrounded by family following a lengthy battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS, a rare blood condition). He was born on June 13, 1951, to Stephen and Evelyn (Paulson) Rivard. Stu grew up in Centuria and graduated from Unity High School in Balsam Lake. Stuart completed his undergraduate degree in education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
In 1973, Stu started his first teaching job in Oconto Falls at Washington Middle School. His intention was to only be in Oconto Falls for a short time. However, he met another new teacher, Diane Hougaard, and the two immediately became close and were married on Aug. 10, 1974. After getting married, Stu and Diane taught together in Oconto Falls for several years. Stu took a break from teaching to pursue work in Agriculture both as a farmer and an over-the-road seed salesman. But he quickly realized his true passion was in education, so in the mid 1980s, Stu returned to the classroom after accepting a position in the Gillett School District to teach literature within the Junior High School. During his more than 30-year career in Gillett, Stu held various positions including reading specialist, elementary school principal, and ultimately Gillett School District Superintendent. Along with his formal responsibilities, Stu was known for extra roles within the school district when needed. Stu also held a side profession of bartending on nights and weekends at Patenaude’s Supper Club for many years. After his retirement from Gillett, he supported the Tigerton School District as a part-time superintendent for several years.
Throughout his life and retirement Stu stayed very active in many of his passions outside of work. Hunting, fishing, golf, pickleball, and his regular card games with the guys were some of the many things Stu enjoyed. In his spare time, he ensured all his cars, garage, and other toys were always in tip-top shape, neatly organized, sparkling clean, and the envy of everyone. Until his diagnosis, Stu remained very activity within the Gillett Civic Club and Our Redeemers Lutheran Church. He especially loved his time with his seven grandchildren.
Stu is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Diane; three children, Todd (Julie) of Midland, Michigan, Stephanie (Austin) of Lodi, and Brent (Hannah) of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren, Jocelyn, Quintin, Dylan, Bryer, Jace, Howard, and Nels; two sisters, Sharon DeJongh and Sharlene Petersen; in-laws Ceil Rivard, Dayton and Pat Hougaard, Darilyn Hougaard, Debbie and LeRoy Reothle, and Daniel and Anne Hougaard. He is also survived by his faithful companion, Reggie, their family dog.
Stu was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Evelyn Rivard; in-laws, Howard and Esther Hougaard; sister, Sheila Stelzer; brother, Stephen Jr; in-laws, Chet DeJongh, Vince Stelzer, Dan Petersen, and Dean Hougaard.
A celebration of life for Stu will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Suring, from 11 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Fred Mai officiating. All family and friends are invited to join the family after the service to celebrate the life of Stu at Romy’s Holiday Inn in Kelly Lake, Wisconsin. A social hour will begin after the service at 4 with dinner to be served. Please come to share a drink, story, and love in honor of Stu. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
The Rivard family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Heartland Hospice team for their support to Stu and our family over the last weeks of his life. We would also like to extend a special thank you for the care and support from Janni Cook from the Bellin Oncology team. Lastly, a special thank you to Chuck and Tami McQuillan for their friendship, support, and help over these past months. We are forever grateful. The support of these and many others are greatly appreciated by the entire Rivard Family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to establish a scholarship in Stu’s memory for students of Gillett High School who want to pursue a career in education would be appreciated by the family.
Stuart “Stu” Craig Rivard
