Stuart Willliams, age 72, of Caledonia Township, Portage, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. Stuart was born on March 2, 1954 to Maurice and Phyllis (Maas) Williams. He graduated from Baraboo High School, Class of 1972. Stuart played football and ran track while in high school. Stuart grew up on the family dairy farm and eventually took over the operations and running of Deer Valley Farms. In early years he enjoyed farming side by side with his brother, Ron, and dad. With Ron’s unexpected death in 1979, he continued the farming operation with his dad, Maurice. In 1999, Stuart decided to make a career change, selling the cows, and went into the logging industry. He went to work for Nelson Hardwoods and enjoyed spending his days in the woods. He could tell you anything about trees and logging. He also had a good rapport with the landowners. Stuart always felt the best part of his job was the wonderful people he met, especially the friendships that formed with the guys he partnered with while working in the woods. He continued great, lifelong, friends with Steve, Doug, Kevin and Gene (dec’d).
Stuart was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Cumings, on August 7, 1982. Together they built a life full of love and family, raising their children, Jim, Jennifer, and Scott. Stuart was ALWAYS very proud of each of his children, not only their many accomplishments, but what good people they grew up to be. He instilled his hard work ethic, kindness to others, and giving spirit into each of them. He didn’t always verbalize his pride in them but always hoped they could tell and feel that pride. What he always wanted most for them was to be happy. It made Stuart very happy knowing that they all found loving partners to share their lives with.
Stuart would help anyone in need. He was always willing to offer his advice and let you know if something was being done wrong! He had a good sense of humor, loved a good joke or prank, and talking with his friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching sports and playing cards over the years. Blackjack with his buddy Paul for many years was the best, along with several years of weekly lunches with his lifelong friend, Mike. After Parkinson’s entered his life, he enjoyed his many phone calls with so many of his friends, especially his frequent weekly calls with his good friend Gary in South Carolina. Stuart also enjoyed his car rides and lunches with his sister, Sue, whom he loved dearly.
Stuart was the most kind, giving, and loving man. He loved and is loved deeply.
He enjoyed watching his children grow up, teaching them to be good stewards of the land, his knowledge of hunting, deer, turkeys, squirrels, or whatever was in season. He taught them how to fish and enjoy the beauty of nature. Stuart also loved his many dogs he had through the years, especially Buster, who was his companion for the last 6 1/2 years. He enjoyed watching his kids play sports from a young age and once he sold the dairy cows, he was able to attend every game they played. Stuart and Mary also made so many good friends with their children’s teammates parents, many who are still good friends today. All the enjoyment Stuart had with his children was multiplied when he and Mary became grandparents. Alexandra, being the first brough him joy, and she was always a big part of their lives, followed by Addison, Carmen, and then grandson, Grayson. These little ones could always bring a smile to his face. He often had special nicknames for each of them and felt so fortunate that they all lived so close and we got to see them so much, spending time with them, and watch them as they grew up and enjoy watching their activities as well. He loved that Alexnadra “Alex” became quite the accomplished baker, which she shared many of her goodies with Grandpa. He was very proud of Alex and husband, Ethan, as they brought and tackled the job of restoring the family farmhouse where he grew up, and they live now. They started their family, which made Stuart and Mary great-grandparents to Amelia, Walker, and baby Sawyer. They brought so many smiles to his face.
Stuart also enjoyed the wonderful trips he and Mary were able to make. Most memorable being to Alaska, Hawaii, and Ireland. He loved that he was fortune to take a couple of Elk hunting trips to the mountains of Wyoming.
Stuart was a lifelong member of Emanuel Church in Baraboo.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, James (Becky), Jennifer (Derek), and Scott (Taylor); grandchildren, Alexandra (Ethan), Addison, Grayson, and Carmen; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Walker, and Sawyer; his best buddy and faithful companion, Buster; siblings, Susan, whom he loved dearly, Doug (Pam), and June (Scott); his extra brothers, Karl and Kevin, who always held a special place in his heart; sisters-in-law, Pam, Colleen (Tom), and Kathy (Dennis); cousins, many nieces and nephews, neighbors and many friends.
Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Phyllis; brother, Ron; sister, Sally; grandparents; as well as his aunts and uncles.
Stuart will be remembered by for his kindness, love and quiet demeanor. He will be greatly missed by his family but forever loved and remembered. He struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years, and gave it his all, even though it stole so much from him. He lived his last 73 days at Maplewood Nursing/Memory facility in Sauk City. His stay was short, but he gained much love and respect from so many of the wonderful nurses, CNA’s and staff there.
His family would like to thank ALL the staff at Maplewood for the wonderful care they gave to Stuart, and his family. This last week there was very difficult, and they all made sure to keep him comfortable and treated him with kindness and love until the end. They were also very passionate and accommodating to Mary and his children. Our hearts are grateful for their care.
We would also like to thank the Doctors, Nurses, and CNA’s at Gunderson Hospital in LaCrosse, where he spent 30 days, especially Dr. Paul Spanel who was always very kind to Stuart and listened to his needs and concerns. Thank you to all of his friends that visited while at Maplewood, you don’t know how much that meant to him and Mary.
Stuart, you are the love of my life, my rock and our family’s rock. I gained my strength when you were by my side. I will miss you so very much, but I am relieved that you are no longer suffering from Parkinson’s and all that came with it. It took so much from you over the last 12 years, but our love and our faith carried us through. Although we have broken hearts now, and a big piece of us will always be missing, know that me, Jim, Jenny, and Scott along with the grandkids will be OK because we have each other and you will be with us always. Until we see each other in heaven …
ALL MY LOVE, Mary.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11am at Emanuel Church in Baraboo. Visitation will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4pm - 7pm at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home and again on Saturday from 10am until the time of service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Stuart’s honor may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Maplewood Nursing Home.
We think about you Always
We talk about you still
You have never been forgotten,
And you never will.
We hold you close within our hearts
And you there you will remain
To walk and guide us through our lives
Until we meet again.
Dave Krunnfusz May 22, 2026
Classmate of Stu; bus driver for Mary Naperville , Illinois
I’m so sorry to hear about Stu. He was a good man. I pray Mary and the family find solace in the live they lived with Stu and the countless memories they created.
Pat Cummings May 22, 2026
Cousin Mary Baraboo , Wisconsin
Mary I am so very sorry for your loss. Parkinsons is such an evil disease. He is in a better place and no longer suffering.
Barb Cummings-Rogers May 22, 2026
1st cousin Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Mary Lynn and family...you have my sincere condolences on the passing of Stuart....know that God's got him now and he will suffer no more....it's a very difficult...time...if you ever need to talk....let me know.....I know it's hard....but love wins every time!....Barbara Jo
Terry Spencer May 22, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
May God’s grace give you comfort in knowing Stuart is in the house of our Lord. My sincerest condolences.
Chris Luther May 22, 2026
friend Madison , Wisconsin
What a beautiful tribute to Stu...His memory and legacy will live through all of you. He loved and was loved --and as difficult as his journey with Parkinson's was I know that you all made sure he knew he was surrounded by your love and support.
Patrice Iverson May 22, 2026
Baseball Friend Eau Claire , Wisconsin
The Iverson's send our sincere condolences in the loss of someone so special. We loved our time together watching Pointer baseball! Know how much we care.
Dan and Sheila Smith May 22, 2026
Parent and friends Green Lake , Wisconsin
Dear Mary and Kids, We were an exceptional group of parents. It was a magical time… So many priceless memories of attending sporting events together including basketball, baseball and football. Also the church events such as Confirmation and Graduation. We were definitely a family! Always supporting each other along the way. Celebrating the good times and comforting each other through the rough times. It was a dream how close we were and how well we all got along. So many laughs. One of the best memory is when the boys were playing basketball. My big purse knocked out the power. Stu and Paul got kicked out of the gym. Stu was always very complimentary and supportive of all of our boys… Please know we are thinking of you all at this time.
Lola Devine May 22, 2026
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
So sorry Mary and all your family. Lola
Dave &Sara Wendorf May 22, 2026
Friends Merrill , Wisconsin
Mary we are so sad to read of Stuart’s passing-and send our prayers of comfort to you and your family at this difficult time. We feel very blessed that we got to know some wonderful people when our boys played Pointer Baseball .
Erika Fehrenbach Prell May 22, 2026
Niece Waunakee , Wisconsin
Dear Mary, Jim, Jenny, Scott, Alex and the rest of the gang: I am so sorry for your loss. Stu was the best, and I have so many wonderful memories of him and our families together over the years. He was always the quiet uncle but was up to something, always with a twinkle in his eye. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Dan and Sheila Smith May 22, 2026
Parent and friends Green Lake , Wisconsin
Dear Mary and Kids, We were an exceptional group of parents. It was a magical time… So many priceless memories of attending years of sporting events together including basketball, baseball and football. Also, the church events such as Confirmation and Graduation. We were definitely a family! Always supporting each other along the way. Celebrating the good times and comforting each other through the rough times. It was a dream how close we were and how well we all got along. So many laughs. One of the best memories is when the boys were playing basketball. My big purse knocked out the power in the gym. Stu and Paul got kicked out by the referees. Stu was always very complimentary and supportive of all of our boys… Please know we are thinking of you all at this time.
Ron & Brenda Schultz May 23, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
So many wonderful memories of over 25+ years of friendship. We went to so many sporting events over the years with our boys playing. Also had a very memorable vacation to Brewers Spring Training in Arizona. And, going to the Grand Canyon, Tortilla Flats, cooking out and playing cards. We enjoyed visiting with Stu and Mary at Maplewood Nursing Home just a couple weeks ago. Rest in Peace, until we meet again. You will certainly be missed.
Rachel Labeots May 23, 2026
Jenny’s classmate West Salem , Wisconsin
Jenny and family- my deepest condolences. Cherish the good memories and hold onto them tight. Your dad will always be watching over all of you.
Ted & Marlene Fritz May 23, 2026
Friends Custer , Wisconsin
Mary- We are so unbelievably sad for you & your family for the loss of the love of your life & our wonderful UWSP baseball family friend! We have many good memories of those days & would carry some of your pain if we could.. Please know we care.
Angie Cummings May 23, 2026
God-daughter to Mary Fulshear , Texas
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Russell Fenske May 23, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Mary so sorry for you lose
Bob Hass May 23, 2026
cousin Madison , Wisconsin
My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of my cousin, Stuart Williams, following his passing this week. Losing a family member is never easy, and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May the memories you shared about Stuart’s life bring comfort, peace, and strength too all of you in the days ahead. With sympathy and love,
David Hass May 25, 2026
Cousin Chatfield , Minnesota
Without Stuart, my early childhood and adolescence would have been quieter, duller, and much less joyful. Stuart brought laughter, kindness, and a sense of adventure to so many ordinary days, and those memories will stay with me forever. I have countless stories and memories to cherish. The Williams and the Hass family will always be connected with love. The Williams farm was my second home. Until we meet again, Stuart.
Dennis and Penny Quandt May 25, 2026
Friends Lake Mills , Wisconsin
Mary We are so sorry for your loss.We are happy we saw you and Stu at Bev’s funeral.Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.Den has very great memories with Stu and will cherish them. They have another great angel
Tom Steinhorst and family May 28, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I always loved talking to Stuart and Mary. Such a family of character and common sense. Stuart was a straight shooter and a great role model and parent. What you see was what you got with him and he will be missed. Sincerely, Tom and Linda Steinhorst
Marie (Fitzgerald)McCarthy and Jerry McCarthy May 29, 2026
Parents of Cathal McCarthy, husband of Katie Bulgrin and friends of Susan Co Cork Ireland P12ER27
Dear Mary and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss in your lives. We were sad to hear of Stuart’s death thought we’ didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Stuart on our visits to Chicago and Naperville . We have met you Mary at Katie and Cathal’s wedding. However, we have heard a lot about Stuart since then from Susan and we are aware of his great sense of goodwill and caring towards his family and others. We feel we knew of him and his great spirit May Stuart be at peace now and at rest with God. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. This is an Irish blessing . Our condolences to you and your family . We will pray for you and your family on Sat 30th as Stuart’s funeral service takes place. Marie and Jerry from Ireland