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

Stuart Pippel

August 12, 1950 - August 04, 2023

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