Jeffery Patrick Santy

Jeffery Patrick Santy of Rhinelander, age 75, passed away on Friday, September 18, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born in Green Bay on July 17, 1951, to John and Virginia Santy. Jeff was a dedicated teacher and taught high school English for 30 years before retiring in 2006. He is the author of two books, “The Edge of the Hallways” and “Gigs and Guitars.”

Performing music was a lifelong passion. From his first talent show performance in 7th grade to his most recent gigs playing bass guitar with his band Santy & Sons over Labor Day weekend at The Thirsty Whale in Minocqua and Indian Shores Campground in Lake Tomahawk, Jeff loved to be on stage. He founded and ran the Tunesmith Academy from 2008 to 2017, inspiring dozens of kids and adults to play music.

In addition to teaching and music, Jeff loved fishing with friends and family, and the best summer evenings included a few casts off the dock of his house on Lake George. 

Above all, Jeff loved his family. He was married to the love of his life, Joan, for 53 years. They had three kids, Virginia, James, and John. In addition to his wife and children, Jeff is survived by six grandchildren: Tyler, Lauren, and Jackson Santy; Keaton McCarver; and Walter and Ruth Santy. The family will hold a service for Jeff at Northland Music Center at 44 Brown Street on Saturday, September 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Please contact Virginia at [email protected] for instructions on how to donate to the Jeff Santy Memorial Scholarship Fund.

You may leave your private condolences for the Santy family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Santy family.