Paul Stich

LAKE MILLS - Paul Joseph Stich, 68 years old, of Lake Mills, Wis., passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Sienna Crest Memory Care Facility in Fort Atkinson, Wis., with his daughter, son, and wife by his side. Paul was diagnosed in July 2015 with the rare degenerative brain disease Primary Progressive Aphasia. Paul immediately became involved in a research study for the disease at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He was dedicated to helping to find a cure for PPA so other families did not have to endure what our family has.

Paul was the fourth son born to Gordon and Marian Stich on May 30, 1953, in Madison, Wis. Paul attended Queen of Peace Grade School, Cherokee Middle School and West High School in Madison, Wis. Paul met his wife, Judith Hoven, when they were both juniors at West High School. Paul and Judy were united in marriage on July 28, 1973, at Queen of Peace Church in Madison. July 28^th was also the 58^th wedding anniversary of Paul’s paternal grandparents, Fred and Flossie Stich.

Paul loved most sports, especially ice hockey. Paul left Madison with three fellow West High School students to play hockey at UW-River Falls. After two years, Paul returned to Madison and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education at UW-Madison, graduating in 1978. Paul was a committed fan of UW-Badgers sports as well as the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Paul’s career path eventually took him to a role in management with Frito-Lay. This career choice moved his family to Green Bay, Wis., Wichita, Kan., and Lawrenceville, N. J. After retiring from Frito-Lay after 25 years of service, Paul began a fourth quarter career as a behavioral specialist at Whitehorse Middle School with the Madison Metropolitan School District. Paul was a dedicated athlete, completing 16 Ironman competitions including qualifying and competing in the World Championship Ironman Race in Kona, Hawaii in 2004. Paul channeled his interest and energy in helping his middle school students develop their skills in fitness and life with his running club and cross country meets.

Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy; their daughter, Jessica (Brian) Winnie of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and their son, Daniel (Michelle) Stich of Columbus, Ohio. Paul was extremely proud of his six grandchildren, Cotter, Graham and Samara Winnie and Owen, Lydia and Phoebe Stich. He is survived by his mother, Marian Stich, 100 years young of Madison, Wis., and his sister, Mary (Jeff) Lewitzke, of Verona, Wis. He is further survived by his three older brothers:  Bill (Mary) Stich of East Windsor, N. J., Rick (Karen) Stich of West Allis, Wis., and Dave (Nancy) Stich of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. Survivors also include his in-laws, Patti (Cliff) Olson, Cathi (Jose) DeLao, Sue (Tim) Martinelli, Nancy (Kurt) Brink, Mike (Stacy) Hoven and Tom (Ginny) Hoven. He is further survived by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was a godparent to Matt Lein, Kim Stich Laaker, Richelle Smith, Amanda Martinelli Baker and Megan Lewitzke Stein. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Stich; and his father and mother -in-law, Herman and Jackie Hoven.

We want to thank our family and friends including the “triathlon group,” Dr. Albert Musa and staff of Dean Clinic, Dr. David Jones and staff of Mayo Clinic, Agrace HospiceCare - especially Trisha, Grace, Joanna and Ann, and the wonderful caregivers at Sienna Crest in Fort Atkinson. We will always be eternally grateful to them.

Due to Paul’s request, there will be no visitation or formal funeral services. Paul preferred a Celebration of Life, which his family is planning around his birthday in May of 2022 with details to follow.

If so desired, memorials may be made to Tri4Schools following the link: https://www.pinwheel.us/donate/In-Loving-Memory-of-Paul-Stich

This non-profit organization’s philosophy mirrored that of Paul’s, which was to empower children to live a more active and healthier lifestyle.

“Take your passion and make it happen.”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420