Stuart Alan Williams

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.