Mary E. Schuettpelz

Mary E. Schuettpelz, age 73 of Suring, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Mary was born on June 24, 1952 to the late Ruben and Irma (Schallock) Hasselquist. She graduated from Rhinelander High School with the Class of 1970. Mary met her future husband, Randall Schuettpelz, through his roommate and her boyfriend at the time, who later set them up. The couple was married on October 6, 1973 in Rhinelander and the couple settled in Suring. Mary worked a few jobs over the years including as a volunteer and assistant librarian at the Suring Area Public Library and as a stock worker at Limited Services in Oconto. She was passionate about her work with the library and assisted with many fundraisers over the years. Mary also organized fundraisers for cystic fibrosis. She was very involved in church activities as a Sunday school teacher, church secretary, and member of many other committees and organizations within the church. Mary and Randy were members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church for many years before transferring to Trinity Lutheran Church when their daughter began playing organ. The couple enjoyed traveling around the United States, taking many memorable trips.

Mary had a feisty and spunky personality that served her well over years and allowed her to accomplish many things. She was a very active person with a “can do, just watch me” attitude. Mary enjoyed crafting at St. John Lutheran School and the nursing home. For over 20 years, Mary turned any recyclables into crafts. She also enjoyed sewing, playing pool, reading, canoeing at the cabin, and rooting for the Packers. Mary enjoyed spending time with her friends, having cheesecake and beverages. She remained physically active by riding her bike around town. Mary would often be seen with her shelties in a basket on the back of her bike; later she took her cats.

Mary is survived by her husband of almost 52 years, Randy; children, LoriAnn (Jason) Schaefer, Tim (Tanya) Schuettpelz, and CarrieAnn (Cole) Zondag; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Trenton, Trevor, Trinity, Tanner, Connor, Cadin, and Carter; sister, Joy Holquist; half siblings, Paul, Pam, and Jenee; brother-in-law, Dennis Staude; sister-in-law, Barb Schuettpelz; childhood friend, Dawn; special cousin, Marilyn. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Maynard and Lucille Schuettpelz; brothers-in-law, Daryl Schuettpelz and Neil Holquist; sister-in-law, Pamela Staude.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. Mary will be interred at Mount Olive Lutheran Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Sun Valley Homes II and Bristol Hospice for the care and compassion offered to Mary and her family during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran School or the Oconto Humane Society in Mary’s honor.