Stuart Pippel

Stuart Pippel

August 12, 1950 - August 04, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Stuart Craig Pippel, age 72, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at home. He was born on Aug. 12, 1950, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Jean and Thelma (Bowman) Pippel.


Stuart graduated from Rockford East High School, and UW-Madison. He married Betsy Schuette on May 16, 1992, in Madison, Wis.


Stuart worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice as a Senior Justice Program Associate in the firearms unit, retiring in 2023 after 31 years of service. While serving in the state judicial system, he was also a newspaper carrier for many years, sacrificing his time and sleep to support his family. After high school he attended Rock Valley College in Rockford, followed by Illinois State University, and eventually earned his bachelor's degree from UW-Madison.


Stuart loved most sports but was particularly passionate about rugby in all aspects: playing, coaching, refereeing, and watching. He coached the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Club from 1978-80, and the UW Men’s Rugby Club from 1988-93. Stuart loved humor, laughing, pets, and connecting with any person or animal he could. He loved books on tape, listening to audiobooks of all genres. He liked entertainment and especially enjoyed watching medical and crime shows, comedy and action movies, and America’s Got Talent.


Stuart is survived by his son, Ross; two brothers, Kerry (Cindy) Pippel, and Keith (Brenda) Pippel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betsy Schuette in 2003; two brothers, Fred and John Pippel; and his sister, Marilyn Wilson; as well as his beloved dogs, Rufus and Lizzie.


A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Madison Rugby Club, Illinois State Rugby Club, and the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Events

19
Visitation
Sat Aug 19, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Get Directions
19
Funeral Service
Sat Aug 19, 2023 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Get Directions
19
Luncheon After Service
Sat Aug 19, 2023 @ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Get Directions

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CH
Chris Helm
Other •
RIP Stu. A Legend on and off the rugby field. I got to know you when I started playing for the WRC in 1982 and we were still exchanging emails and comments about players in 2023! That is the power of the rugby fraternity. You kept us all up to date on interesting rugby videos and questions. You and they will be missed. Condolences to the Pippel Family. Sincerely, Chris Helm.
TF
The Akselrud Family
Other •
Thank you for being a friend... we will never forget your charm and larger than life personality. Until we meet again...
DB
Dr. lori Belha
Other •
I am so very sorry to hear of Stuart’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and the family. I met Stuart at Illinois State University. He was the life of every party. So kind, so funny, and a friend to everyone. We shared the same dorm cafeteria so saw him every day. Then moved to Floraway townhouses and lived three doors away. Our mutual friend Mike Bartel, shared your sad news. Praying that God sends you strength to endure this loss and peace of mind knowing he has been called “home”. Gods Grace be with you. Dr. Lori Belha
CK
Cynthia Kolb
Other •
Deepest sympathy to Ross and family. I have worked with Stu for over 30 years with too many stories to share but he was always available and had a sixth sence in knowing when someone needed encouragement, a laugh, or just some words of wisdom or as we called it a Stuism. Thanks for holding me up when I couldn't manage on my own. Will always hold you in my heart - I already miss your hugs. RIP my dear friend - Cindy
AH
Anne Rygh Lafferty Hudgins
Other •
I have known Stu for many years, lost him, and then we reconnected two years ago. I loved Stu, a dear friend, and miss him so much.
DG
Deb Gordon
Other •
I "met" Stu through our work in the Justice System. From his first email we were friends. He was so much fun and had the best sense of humor. He and I saw things so much alike it was scary. He could make the worst day better with his snarky remarks and hilarious jokes or emails. I retired in 2020 and he took my personal email and he kept the laughs coming. I'm broken hearted to hear of his passing. I will miss him so much.

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