Floyd F. Stautz

Floyd F. Stautz

Floyd F. Stautz Madison, WI

Floyd Frederick Stautz, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, 3 weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born on February 24, 1934, on his family's farm outside of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, the youngest son of Clifford and Elsa (Bruessel) Stautz.

From an early age, Floyd embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He was deeply involved in school, church, sports, and Boy Scouts, excelling as a student and as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. His talents also extended to music and the arts-he played the coronet, sang in choir, and often held leading roles in school musicals.

Floyd attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1956 and later a Master of Science degree in Sanitary Engineering in 1966. While at UW, he participated in Army ROTC and graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was also at UW where he met the love of his life, Ellen Hallock. They were married on June 17, 1956-the day after Floyd graduated from college-beginning a partnership that spanned nearly seven decades.

Floyd began his professional career with the Wisconsin State Board of Health as a water pollution engineer. In 1957, he reported for active duty with the Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Following his military service, Floyd joined the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he worked for nearly 40 years. Over the course of his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Bureau of Floodplain and Shoreland Zoning from 1976 to 1980. He retired in March 1996 as Assistant District Director of the Southern District, overseeing Environmental Protection programs.

Faith and community were central to Floyd's life. He and Ellen were early members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where Floyd served in many roles, including youth group leader, deacon, choir member, and usher. He also devoted years of service to the Board of Directors of the Midvale Heights Community Association and served as finance chairman for Friendship Force, an organization dedicated to building global connections and friendships.

In retirement, Floyd and Ellen eagerly embraced new adventures. They participated in numerous Elderhostel programs, spent cherished time on Marco Island, Florida, and traveled throughout most of the United States and many foreign countries. When their children were young, family trips to Door County became treasured traditions filled with lasting memories.

In 2016, Floyd and Ellen moved to Coventry Village, where Floyd quickly became affectionately known as "the puzzle guy." He loved playing cards with friends and family-especially bridge and sheepshead-tended a prolific garden that produced countless tomatoes (and plenty of tomato juice and salsa) and enjoyed regular golf outings whenever possible. A lifelong sports fan, Floyd was a devoted supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers.

Floyd is survived by his beloved wife of 69 ½ years, Ellen; his sons, Jeffrey (Jane) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Curt (Caren) of Castle Rock, Colorado; and his daughter, Susan of Madison, Wisconsin. He is also survived by six grandchildren-Amy (Stephen) McQuaid, Andrew (Shannon) Stautz, Alan Stautz, Diane (Matt) Murphy, Matthew (Melissa) Stautz, and Stephanie (Jared) Stoner-and seven great-grandchildren: Leah and Nora Murphy, Evelyn and Lillian McQuaid, Ryder and Rowan Stautz, and Cora Stautz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Elsa Stautz; his brothers, Jerome (Alice) Stautz and Clayton (Aletta) Stautz; and his sister-in-law, Janet (Hallock) Lull.

A celebration of Floyd's life will be held on Saturday, April 11th, time to be determined at Covenant Presbyterian Church 326 S. Segoe Road Madison.

Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church 326 S. Segoe Road Madison, WI 53705 or Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin 211 S. Paterson Street, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703.

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