Edward "Ed" Earl Stuessel

Edward “Ed” Earl Stuessel, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with Leukemia, out surpassing many expectations. Throughout his illness, Ed conquered it with dignity, strength, grit and relentless positivity. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the funeral home, with Mike Schultz officiating. A private family inurnment will be take place at a later date, at Cataract Cemetery in Cataract, Wisconsin.

Ed was born on June 14, 1946, in Sparta, Wisconsin, the son of Rueben and Irene (Janes) Stuessel. He was a 1965 graduate of Sparta High School and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War. On March 2, 1974, Ed was united in marriage to Antonette “Tonie” T. Ralson. He attended Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. Ed was employed as a draftsman, pricing analyst, PP&C Manager, and Program Manager for Bush Hog Kraus, and later with Rockwell Collins. He was a member of the Fort Riley Window Washers, Wiarng Old Shooters, Marion American Legion Post 298, Cataract Sportsman Club, and Five Seasons Ski Team.

Ed was very kind and generous; and he was lovingly known as Grandpa Ed or Uncle Ed to many. His favorite past-times were lunch dates and hunting gatherings. Most of all, he simply loved spending time with family and friends; Ed was often the loudest cheerleader at any event. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ed is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Samantha “Sam” I. Stuessel of Marion; son, Alex E. (Amy) Stuessel of Springville, Iowa; two grandchildren, Ruby and Nolan; five siblings, Thomas “Tom” (Carolyn) Stuessel of Cataract, Richard “Dick” Stuessel of Sparta, , James “Jim” (Clarice) Stuessel of Cataract, William “Bill” Stuessel (Jolene Thompson) of River Falls, Wisconsin, and Molly Stuessel of Cataract; and a host of extended family members including sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Irene; wife, Tonie; and one sister, Mary Ann Kay (Tom) Schindler.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at both University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Hall-Perrine, specifically Dr. Margarida Silverman and Dr. Ann Stroh for all the love, care, and support they gave to Ed throughout his illness.

Memorials in Ed’s memory may be directed to either the Marion American Legion Post 298; or to the family.