Full Obituary

　　
     ANTOINETTE "TOSH" STUESSER, age 92, passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Stanley, WI, on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St. Bernard/St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp, WI. Fr. Janusz Kowalski will officiate and burial will take place in Old St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church, on Saturday, from 10am until time of service.
     Antoinette Elizabeth Panek was born on May 25, 1925 in Thorp, WI, to Anna Panek Slota and Walter Slota. From a young age, Tosh was very social and outgoing. She enjoyed conversing and spending time with her eight siblings and many friends. Tosh grew up in Thorp and attended Thorp High School where she graduated in 1943. Her favorite thing about high school was being Prom Queen. Her family and community were very steeped in their agricultural roots. Tosh’s brother, Pete, was a cattle dealer who looked out for his little sister Tosh, as did her other siblings. Tosh had a flair for predicting things, specifically saying to many close to her that she would marry a veterinarian and have four daughters. And so, she did marry Ralph "Doc" Stuesser on June 26, 1948. And in due time, she did have four daughters. Tosh was known around the Thorp area for her genuine, warm, and welcoming manner, and her frequent hosting of gatherings at the Stuesser home. There she could be found entertaining guests with conversation, card games, and her musical abilities, which often led to gathering around the organ where Tosh played as others joined in singing familiar tunes. Tosh was also accomplished as an accordion player, where she entertained playing by ear. When it came to cards, she had an amazing knack for winning. Whether it was 50-point rummy, hearts, spades or go-fish, she got more than her fair share of the winning hands. At which time, she would playfully tap the card table saying "ta-dum-ta-dum." It became a given if you were playing cards or Bingo with her, you were going to hear that tune at the end of the game.
     Tosh also endeared herself to many young people in Thorp, when she worked at the Thorp Catholic School as an administrative assistant. She was known to intercede on behalf of the students with a smile and a chat while they were doing time in the office. Tosh was always quick with a smile and a kind word. Among her famous sayings were "Toodle-I" and "you betcha" and many Polish quips which were endearing to those she knew. Many of those students who are not so young anymore, made it a point to graciously thank Tosh years later. She was also very proud of going back to school at age 70 to be certified as a CNA. This allowed her to care for her youngest granddaughter, Jessica, who has special needs.
     Tosh is survived by her four daughters: Barb Koch of Plover, Judy (Frank) Derr of Hudson, Shary Walkush of Rosholt, Mary Lou (Gar) Christenson of Hudson; six grandchildren: Travis Koch, Michelle (Derr) Paulisich, Adam Derr, Angella (Derr) Frank, Jessica Stuesser and Griffin Christenson; and four great-grandchildren: Maia, Gib and Julian Paulisich and Kashton Koch.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; her previous husband, Doc Stuesser; granddaughter, Jamie Koch; and two sons-in-law: John Koch and Gunner Walkush.
     Tosh will always be remembered for her warmth, conversation, charm and genuine affection for people. Through these qualities she touched the lives of so many in her community. She will be especially missed by her four daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.