Tim Schuenke

Tim Schuenke, 73, passed away on October 28, 2024 following a brief illness. He was born on June 25, 1951 in Watertown, Wisconsin, and his family eventually settled in Lake Mills. Tim was part of a large family where he had 7 siblings who often could be found playing pick up basketball or baseball or being creative in finding trouble (find one of them, they won’t be shy in telling you now since they can’t be punished anymore). Tim was especially skilled at finding mischievous ways of getting out of dishwashing duty. He graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1969 followed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973 before finally earning his MBA from Whitewater in 1982. Later in his career, he also graduated from Harvard University with a certificate as a senior executive in state and local government.

Tim was a living legend in local government within two different states as well as making impacts on a national scale. His career began in 1974 with the City of Lake Mills serving in various capacities as Administrative Assistant, Cemetery Sexton, Clerk/Treasurer, and interim City Manager. In 1979, he became the first City Administrator for the City of Jefferson, followed by Village Manager of La Grange Park, Illinois in 1983. His progression took him to Park Ridge, Illinois in 1996 as City Manager where he retired from service in Illinois in 2008. Wanting to move back to his home state, he became the City Administrator in Delafield in 2008. Since the time of his retirement in 2012 until the summer of 2024, he volunteered with the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) as a Senior Advisor to local government professionals in Wisconsin through WCMA. ICMA was a big part of his professional life where he earned recognition as a Credentialed Manager, Life Membership within the organization, and national recognition for 35 plus years of career service with 45 years in total. Additionally, he served as President of the Illinois City/County Managers Association where he hosted the international conference in Chicago in 1994.

This work is hard enough on its own, but through it all he experienced several health related challenges, most notably with his heart. He had his first open heart surgery when he was 14 years old, with 4 more surgeries to follow until in 2015 he received the ultimate blessing of a heart transplant. Addressing his health while caring for the communities he served and his family was of the utmost importance. Tim had endured many surgeries, procedures, and hospital stays throughout nearly his entire life. He didn’t complain though (well, maybe a little) as he knew what it meant to those around him to continue fighting through life’s challenges. Though these memories are marked by hardship, we are deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who have cared for him over the years with such dedication and compassion. Above all, our hearts overflow with gratitude to the individual who donated their heart to Tim. This extraordinary act of kindness allowed him not only to continue his journey but to experience the profound joy of meeting all his grandchildren—a blessing we hold dear beyond measure.

Through all of this was the love of his life carrying on with him every step of the way. Tim married Peggy (Stilling) Schuenke on September 3, 1977 where they recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Their care and devotion for each other was unmatched. Peggy stood by Tim, and Tim by Peggy, facing life’s challenges together with unwavering support and love. Together, they built a joyful life, traveled the world, shared hobbies, and raised a beautiful family—a testament to the strength of their bond and the happiness they created side by side. They welcomed their son Matt in 1982, and daughter Claire in 1984. Both would go on to raise families of their own and bring six grandchildren into the world. Being a father and grandfather was one of the greatest joys of his life. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish at Comstock Lake, golf, read, play cards, enjoy sports, cook, and just have fun while giving them the unconditional support they needed.

Tim is survived by his wife, Peggy, son Matt (Miranda), daughter Claire (Patrick) Miller; grandchildren Riley, Avery, Owen, Molly, and James; his siblings Doug, Jeff, Jeanean, Brenda, Glenn, and Tina; goddaughter Maggie; and many inlaws, outlaws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents Chuck & Pearl Schuenke, brother David, brother-in-laws Ray and Dave and grandson Dylan. While Tim’s passing is shared with great sadness, we are happy to see all the joy that he was able to experience as well as the joy he brought out in others. He lived a good life, leaving a legacy that will endure through all the lives he touched—within his family, in his work, and beyond.

A celebration of life will be held on November 8, 2024 at Lake Mills Community Center, 200 Water Street, Lake Mills, Wisconsin at 2:00 p.m. with eulogies at 4:30 and dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Future of Professional Management Fund through ICMA. In addition, if you are not an organ donor, consider signing up today!

https://icma.org/page/donate-icma-future-professional-management-fund