Megan Eileen Schuetz

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Megan Eileen Kelly Schuetz—a beloved mother, wife, and sibling—passed away on September 16, 2024 at the age of 69. 

Megan was born on February 15, 1955 to Stephen and Irene Kelly. She grew up in Oak Lawn, IL, alongside her younger siblings: Margaret “Peggy” Kelly and Stephen Kelly. From a young age, Megan spent much of her time looking out for her younger siblings and the other kids in her neighborhood. While she was a senior in high school, Megan met John Schuetz, who she married on June 9, 1979. Megan attended Northern Illinois University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business (Human Resources). Following college, Megan worked as a human resources manager and a hospital administrator while her husband attended medical school. 

When Megan and John welcomed their second of three sons into the world, Megan decided to become a stay-at-home mom. In this role, Megan was her sons’ greatest teacher, supporter, advocate, and guiding light. She would never miss an opportunity to cheer on her sons’ sporting events or to spend a quiet afternoon speaking to her sons about their feelings. Through her years of being an empathetic listener, Megan came to embody a profound wisdom that allowed her to provide her sons with life advice or more logistical strategies. Megan always encouraged her boys to see the best in others and to follow the Golden Rule. A genuinely cheerful soul that shielded her family from the darkness in the world and shared a sliver of youthful innocence throughout everything—wishing and encouraging the same for her family. In perhaps her greatest act of prolonged caretaking outside of her boys, Megan cared for her sister through cancer and an organ transplant—“saving her life.”

 Megan’s caretaking spirit and heart of gold extended beyond her family. After her family moved to Madison, WI, Megan dedicated much of her time volunteering at her sons’ schools. Megan felt passionately that every child should feel cared for and should have what they need to succeed. Because of this, there are countless stories of Megan going far out of her way to support her sons’ classmates in finding transportation, school supplies, or suitable winter clothing. She received a national honor for volunteering, but did not like to draw attention to the award. Megan’s kindness cannot be overstated; her immeasurable compassion left everyone in her wake feeling comforted and understood. 

Megan loved sunsets and campfires with her family on their many National Park adventures and would share her gift of gab during the twilight into darkness under glimmering moon and stars. Megan’s boys find some hope in the understanding that Megan is looking back at them when they look into the night sky, reflecting her unconditional love shining in the northern lights and stars—always and forever.

Megan is preceded in death by her parents: Stephen and Irene. Megan is survived by her husband John; her sons Eric, Gregory, and Peter (Sophia); as well as her siblings Peggy and Stephen. 

A public visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705). The following day—on Friday, October 11, 2024— A visitation will be held at 9:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church (602 Everglade Dr, Madison, WI 53717) with memorial mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.