Terry Ellis Tuschen Jr.

MARSHALL - Terry Ellis Tuschen Jr. passed away at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, after a brief illness. Terry was born on Dec. 22, 1966, in Sun Prairie, Wis. His younger years were spent playing hockey and tennis, riding his bike, teasing his siblings of course, helping out at the family-owned funeral home, and watching Star Trek episodes repeatedly.  

After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and earned a degree in Political Science. During a brief stint working part time at Sentry (now Metcalfe’s) grocery store in Madison, he met Elizabeth (she was working in the express lane and he was in aisle 3) and they were married a few years later on Nov. 29, 1996. Terry went on to work for more than 20 years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Terry had many endearing and humorous (as well as a few salacious) stories from his time working in state government. Terry, being the likable fellow he is, made countless friends on both sides of the aisle (no easy feat in that climate) and found the work to be rewarding and challenging and occasionally heartbreaking.

Terry was an avid sports fan, particularly football, hockey and tennis. Though his fantasy football career never took off as he had hoped, he continued to put in full effort every fall, much to his wife’s bewilderment. He also looked forward to the family NCAA basketball pool each Spring, hoping to, at the very least, have a final grid that ranked slightly higher than his sisters-in-law, who would occasionally simply select their picks by name recognition alone.  

Though his family lives in Colorado, Terry stayed close with them through daily group texts. He loved all things weather-related, and would provide forecast information for their location, just to be sure they were always informed. He cherished the times he was able to visit, going to Colorado College hockey games and getting coffee with his niece, Isabella.

More than anything else, Terry was a fantastic father to his daughter, Emma. He was kind, caring, empathetic and patient with her. He only ever saw Emma, never her disabilities. They created their own games together and if Mom ever tried to join in, Emma would have none of it, refusing to continue until Terry joined back in. She had him wrapped around her little finger in every way possible. He was her biggest advocate and protector, and for that we will always be eternally grateful.  

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Terry Ellis Tuschen Sr. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Emma; mother, Kay Tuschen; sister, Christina Witczak; brother, Andrew Tuschen; and niece, Isabella Witczak.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

Donations in Terry’s name may be made to Madison Area Rehabilitation Center (MARC-Inc) at https://marc-inc.org/support-marc/donate-now/#dica_divi_carouselitem_2. Terry’s daughter, Emma, has been attending MARC for many years now and this is a wonderful organization working with people with disabilities.  

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists at UW Hospital and Clinics for the kindness and encouragement they showed to both Terry and Elizabeth during his illness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761