Stuart Williams Tisdale

Tisdale, Stuart Williams Retired business executive and dedicated community supporter and fund-raiser, died peacefully of complications from Alzheimer's at his Milwaukee home on March 21, 2012, surrounded by family. Stuart Williams Tisdale was born on August 15, 1928, in Leominster, MA, the son of Ruth and Malcolm Tisdale and the younger brother of sister Natalie. Stu moved with his family to Independence, MO, during WWII. It was there, at an early age, that Stu conceived his passion for manufacturing, learned through contact with the huge wartime plants for which his father worked. For the rest of his life, Stu carried with him a profound respect for the process of creating a finished product out of raw materials, and for the people on the factory floor who made the process happen. Stu made manufacturing his life's work. After graduating from William Christman High School, in Independence, and a post-graduate year at the Gunnery, in Connecticut, Stu attended and graduated from Yale University in 1951. He majored in economics and lettered in baseball and football. Stu was a star quarterback. Stu was selected to the College All-Star Team, who played the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. He also played for the North College All-Stars in the North/South All-Star Game. While at Yale, Stu participated in the ROTC program. Stu retained many lifelong friends among his classmates and teammates; he was always a loyal supporter and tireless fundraiser for the college. After graduation from Yale, Stu served in the U.S. Navy. Among other duties, he trained in a special scuba unit to be used as the advanced wave in amphibious assaults, a unit he proudly referred to as "beach-jumpers." Married shortly after college, he lived in Portland, Maine, where he served as president of Southworth Machine Company. He was involved in numerous civic organizations. He was divorced in 1965, and went to work for the Climate Control Division of The Singer Company, based in New York City. Stu ran manufacturing operations in Elizabeth N.J., and Auburn, N.Y. In 1967, he married the love of his life, and devoted bride of 45 years, Ann Howard Holan, of New Jersey. From 1974-1976, Stu was an executive with the Dover Corporation, in New York City. In 1976, Stu was hired as president and CEO of the Sta-Rite Corporation, in Delavan, WI. Sta-Rite later merged with WICOR (Wisconsin Gas) in Milwaukee. Stu served as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of WICOR. He retired from that position in 1994. During his years in Milwaukee, Stu always considered it a great honor and a pleasure to serve the Milwaukee community. He was at various times president of the YMCA, president of The University Club, director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Stu headed the United Way's annual campaign in 1989. Stu also served as an outside director of area companies, including Marshall & Ilsley Corporation, Twin Disc, American Appraiser, Badger Meter, and Modine. He and Ann have given generously to schools and needy students in Milwaukee and to numerous other causes. Stu was a season-ticket holder and a staunch supporter of the Milwaukee Brewers, especially the effort to build the new stadium. He was thrilled with his two front row seats in Miller Park near the Brewers on-deck circle. He and Ann enjoyed the seats as did the many people to whom they gave their tickets. Stu was a devoted fan of Wisconsin football and held season tickets to the end of his life (though he was not above gently ribbing fellow Badger fans about the game in 1948 when his much smaller Yale football team upset Wisconsin at Madison). An avid fly-fisherman and bird hunter, Stu loved the outdoors and he generously supported organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and the International Crane Foundation. Golf was a passion and a talent. Stu had a private pilot license with an instrument rating. Stu was a grateful friend of Bill W. Stuart Williams Tisdale is survived by his wife, Ann Howard Tisdale; and his sons Stuart W. Tisdale Jr. (wife Mary Davis), of Portland, Maine; Walter Tisdale (wife Katie Beard) of Bangor, Maine; Malcolm Tisdale (wife Kathleen) Whitewater, Wisconsin; Andrew Tisdale (wife Nesrin) of London, England; and Ward Tisdale (and wife Kathleen) of Austin, Texas; and his niece Jeanette Poillon, of Sherborn, MA. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren: Stuart Williams Tisdale, III and Sarah Tisdale of New York City; Welles Tisdale of Bangor, Maine; Natalie Tisdale of St. Paul, Minnesota; Sam, Grace, and Anna Tisdale of Whitewater Wisconsin; Caroline and Malcolm Tisdale of London, England; and Daniel, Will, Katherine and Laura Tisdale of Austin, Texas. Stu is also survived by his beloved and loving step-sons, Scott Holan, and Scott's wife, Tena, and children Haley and Jared, and Bruce Holan (and his partner, Jessie Bamberger, and her daughter, Nora), of Milwaukee. Stu is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Howard Mihalke, brother-in-law James Mihalke, and their sons Nicholas, Michael (children Amanda and Dylan), and William (wife Tiffany and daughter Ella). In lieu of flowers, the family and Stu would appreciate donations to the Grand Avenue Club, a vocational rehabilitation program in Milwaukee, 210 E. Michigan Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, or to the school of your choice. A service will be held at 4 PM, March 30, at North Shore Congregational Church, 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point, WI, 53217. A reception will follow at The University Club, 924 E. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI, 53202.