Earl C. Kuester

Earl C. Kuester, 87, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital.

He was born on April 4, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI. The son of the late Edward Kuester and Harriet (Schultz) Kuester, Earl attended the Milwaukee schools, graduating from Rufus King High School with the class of 1956. He then attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He later earned his master’s degree at UW-Milwaukee. Earl was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.

Earl was employed at UW-Milwaukee in the Engineering program. He was the department head of the University's Architectural Engineering design for over 35 years and was honored with a Certification of Meritorious Service from The University of Wisconsin System. Earl was a talented architect and designed his own home after the Frank Llyod Wright designs. He was a member of the American institute of Architects and the Wisconsin Society of Architects.

Earl was a Mason for 65 years, obtaining the level of Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Earl enjoyed dancing and was a very accomplished award-winning ballroom dancer, traveling with his longtime dance partner Mary Ann, competing nationally and internationally.

Earl is survived by his many cousins, Ruth Zellmer Segal-Nitz; John (Linda) Zellmer and their children Dawn, Jesse, Dana Zellmer; James (Kelly) Zellmer; Jason Zellmer; Jake Zellmer; William Zellmer; Tammy (Raymond) Zellmer Heyer; Tony (Sarah) Zellmer; Jean Rodgers-Nitz; Beth Ann (Perry) Rodgers Wegener; Samantha (Josh) Wegener Vandenhoutern; Casey (Zach) Wegener Harvath; Patrick (Renee) Rodgers; and Elizabeth (Ben) Rodgers Sander and their children Sophia, Audreana, Landon Sander and longtime friend, Peg Angeli. 

He was also preceded in death by his longtime significate other, Mary Ann and longtime friend, Mary Ann James.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Crystal Falls / Iron River Masonic Lodge #385 to conduct funeral rites. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites.