Sue Ann Kaestner
July 18, 1954 - July 17, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Sue Ann Kaestner, age 66, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021. She is survived by her sister, Kristine (David) Bowman, Tallahassee, Fla.; her brother, Jack (Mary) Kaestner of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; and many friends, both lifelong and newly made but each precious to her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy; and father, Jack.
Sue was born in Milwaukee before moving to Baraboo as a teenager. She graduated from UW-Stevens Point with her degree in Communications. It was there that she met the person who would profoundly impact her future: Lee Sherman Dreyfus. Inspired by his vision, she signed on as his Campaign Assistant in his run for Governor. She moved to Madison following his election where she managed the Governor's appointments to boards and commissions before succeeding Ann Haney as the Secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Following five years in the political arena, she started a business with a friend to help candidates with fundraising but the business instead focused on selling collateral marketing items for campaigns. Capitalizing on the broader business potential, the company expanded beyond that niche to sell all manner of promotional products, and ultimately became The WIDGET Source.
She met both personal and professional challenges with her quick wit, good humor, and determination to succeed. She loved to cook and entertain, sharing many special meals with friends and family. Sue will be remembered for her bright smile, generous spirit, enthusiasm for the arts, creative mind, and an eye for design, whether it was a logo or her living room.
The family wishes to thank everyone who helped Sue through this difficult journey, especially her TEMPO friends. The encouraging notes, tasty meals, beautiful flowers, and uplifting visits were an unending source of joy and strength to Sue.
A memorial service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Refreshments will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be gifted in Sue’s name to the TEMPO Madison Foundation (tempomadison.org/Make-Donation). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
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Memories
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Alice O'Connor
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Sue was simply a class act with a laugh I still hear. I first met her in my 20s when she was working for Governor Lee Dreyfuss. As a newbie to politics she seem to be able to role with just about any sort of punch and take it in stride-- and keep smiling. I ordered many things from her Widget Company and was always blown away her creativity could working within my tiny budgets. She always had a solution or a remedy. What if we try this? She oozed kindness and compassion no matter who you were. That was evidenced for me in recent years by the way she took care of her mom in her later years. And she did it with such tenderness and devotion. Sue Ann you will be missed for all of your goodness to so many who have benefited from it. I hope you are smiling at all the women you will continue to touch with of course your desire to impact the Tempo Foundation, a place to continue your legacy of giving and thinking of others. May you rest in peace dear sweet Sue Ann. I am so sorry you left us too soon Alice O'Connor
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Genie Campbell
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I knew Sue Ann through Tempo; she was always the first person to volunteer for a project; her enthusiasm overflowed. Still have some napkins that she supplied for one of our events!
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Joan Collins
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Sue Ann, along with her friend Vicki, came up with the bright idea--and then implemented--the Governor's Trailblazer Awards to celebrate women-owned businesses. Sue Ann knew how to get things done and "make it happen." She donated awards and trophies to many causes, and supported programs to help girls and women reach their potential in the Madison area. I met her at TEMPO many years ago and quickly realized what a gem she was. I remember complimenting her many times when she was president of TEMPO for her leadership skills and hard work.
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Connie Kilmark
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Sue had such a big heart. When my daughter, who is autistic, was in her high school transition period, we were trolling around for practice job opportunities. I approached several TEMPO members to see if they might offer Kristin a 6-week opportunity to try out working (accompanied by school staff, of course). Everyone else said ‘sorry, no, that wouldn’t work at my business’ but not Sue. Sue welcomed Kristin and gave her six weeks of practice working at the Widget Source on Univ Ave. Sue treated Kristin with such dignity and respect and gave her a great first taste of the working world. I will be forever in Sue’s debt for her “yes”. Indeed, a great heart has ceased beating. I can still hear her usual greeting, “How ARE you?”
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Karen Leonard Erwin
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My sympathies go to the family and her close friends who walked with her during her recent battle. I am so sad to hear of Sue's passing, as she was young and full of energy, a joy to be around. Many people were cheered by her great smile and laugh. She also was savvy, so evidenced by her great career. Few people are ever an agency head and part of a governor's cabinet. I met her during the Dreyfus campaign in a galaxy far away. I hope she, Gov. Lee, Mark Musolf, Ann Haney, Bill Kraus and others from that administration have caught up with each other in heaven.
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Georgene Pomplun
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Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Sue was a shining star for everyone who was fortunate to know her, and I feel blessed to be among that group. Some of my favorite memories are our occasional encounters at the Lussier YMCA, where we'd catch up with each other's news—Sue would always have a fabulous take on whatever we were discussing. What a joy to have known this amazing woman! Much love, Georgene Pomplun