Genevieve R. Stellmacher

Genevieve “Gen” Ruth (Westover) Stellmacher, age 92, a longtime resident of Waukau, Green Lake, and Ripon, WI died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Gen was born in Waukau, WI on November 26, 1932, daughter of Leon and Ruth (Billings) Westover. She graduated from Omro High School. She attended Ripon College for four years studying music and music theory all during the time of raising her last two children. She discovered the depth of her music which made her proficient on her piano and pipe organ. Gen carried this knowledge into her 35 years of teaching piano and pipe organ students, many of whom play to various degrees in their own life of music. She was a devoted and proud full time church organist for over 40 years. Genevieve’s words, “Even though I never made a lot of money with music that was not my goal. I only wanted to spread joy and to inspire people. I loved my piano and organ students and was always thinking of ways to make them want to work harder. When I played in church, I wanted people to be glad they came and to have them leave with the love and joy of our heavenly Father in their hearts. I pray every Sunday morning for God’s guidance.”

Gen was a member of the American guild of Organists for 25 years and of the Keyboard Teacher Association; both state and national. She was active for 10 years in barbershop “The Sweet Adaline’s.” She was the tenor in the quartet “Town and Country” singing solo and doing many performances. She had a lyrical and melodic voice. She made her family smile. Her laughter when brought to tears made us all joyous.

Gen was a farmer’s wife married in 1950 to Hugh Ray August Stellmacher and worked her large vegetable and fruit gardens, raising seven children, bandaging toes, fingers, legs and arms and cooled fevered brows. She turned out the most delicious meal you could ever imagine. She was a great student of her mother (Ruth) and mother-in-law (Lydia) and seemed to have an innate ability to take everything she crafted over the top. Together, Gen and Hugh created Stellmacher Lake, a natural marsh and small lake area enlarged to over 20 acres. There was a pavilion erected, and countless celebrations were had, a continued legacy gifted to their children. Her handwriting and sewing skills were exceptional. She was a good sport doing activities with Hugh such as boating and travel. They took a six-week excursion to the west coast in their lovely camper van. One of the best times in her life. They loved Hawaii and the Bahamas. Her deep love was her family. She took great care of all her children, and set them free to discover themselves.

Gen is survived by her children, Lee Stellmacher, Laurie (Tom) Booker, Kari (Richard) Bond, Patti (Paul) Quinn, Jon (Brenda) Stellmacher, Jill (Scott) Henning, Jason (Casandra) Stellmacher; 19 grandchildren, Jed (Danell), Cory (Julie), Brock (Heather), Wyatt (Chris), Jennifer (Rodney), Benjamin (Janet), Andrea (Gregory), Breana (Matthew), Matthew (Kimberly), Renee (Ray), Ryan (Jessica), Russell (Kayla), Joshua, Jessica (Steve), Laura (Anthony), Michael (Savannah), Sarah, Asher, Elon; 37 great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a sister, Ellen DeMarco; sister-in-law, Alene Mueckler; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Ruth (Billings) Westover; father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Lydia Stellmacher; her husband of 52 years, Hugh Ray; an infant son, Thomas Michael; brothers, Leon and Edward Westover; a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Jones; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and her beloved little dog, Lacey.

Visitation for Gen will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Gen will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon, with Rev. Karin Derenne and Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon at a later date. 

Gen’s family wishes to thank Maplecrest in Ripon and The Courtyard in Oshkosh for the loving care of their mother.