Grace M. Stuettgen (nee Larsen), 92, of Germantown, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, early Friday morning, January 8, 2021 after years of suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Her peaceful passing allowed her to reunite with her husband, Norbert, her parents, Chris and Geneva Larsen, brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Winnie Larsen.
Grace was born October 14, 1928, in New York. When she was a young teen her family moved to Wisconsin where she graduated from Menomonee Falls High School. She eventually met her future husband Norb Stuettgen at work, and their courtship took place while engaged in one of their favorite activities, roller skating.
They married October 8, 1949 and she joined Norb to spend their lives in operating and keeping the family dairy farm and homestead.
Grace and Norb were blessed with two children, Paula (the late Robert Popelka) and Dennis (Nancy) Stuettgen. They also were the devoted grandparents of Sarah Jo (Josh) Nowak, Craig (Sara) Stuettgen and Serena Stuettgen.
Grace greatly enjoyed her neighbors and friends and their adventures into the city of Milwaukee for movies and shows, lunches out and club activities. She was a loyal friend and a good sport, even if it meant going camping with the neighborhood families and “roughing it.”She was active in her community, serving as a leader for the local 4-H organization, a volunteer for the Washington County Department of Social Services, and an active participant in local school issues. She loved crafts of all kinds, family gatherings, and, most of all, being a mom. Her creative abilities resulted in some of the best Halloween costumes anywhere – Paula’s “flying nun” was a classic! And, her dedication to Dennis’ many sports activities, from Little League through varsity football and wrestling squads, kept her on the road a lot!
Upon retirement, Grace and Norb were able to travel extensively through the US on organized bus trips with old neighborhood friends, and making many new friends as well. Grace’s social nature delighted in the regular gatherings of the Stuettgens (all of Norb’s sisters, brothers and in-laws) and her apartment neighbors’ “happy hours” and dinner excursions. A devoted daughter, Grace spent every moment she could spare to be with and help her mom, including planning Geneva’s 100thbirthday party – and, what a party that was!
Grace is preceded in death by her husband Norb, parents Chris and Geneva Larsen, brother Paul and his wife, Winnie. She is survived by her children, Dennis and Paula, and grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Ellen’s Home South Assisted Living, Kathy Morris of Seniors Helping Seniors, and Horizon Hospice for their unwavering concern and care for mom.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.
A private family graveside service will take place at St. Columba Cemetery, Lake Five, WI. Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services, Menomonee Falls, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Photos of Grace