Obituary
Kelly Jeanne Candell Schuster
On Thursday, June 3, 2021, Kelly Jeanne Candell Schuster, loving wife and mother of four children passed away at home surrounded by her family after a three and half year battle with ALS at the age of 59.
Kelly was born on June 22, 1961 in Rice Lake, WI to Keith and Carolyn (Michna) Candell. Kelly graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1979. She received her bachelors degree in education from the University of River Falls in 1983, and taught elementary education for 35 years. On July 25, 1987, she married Kraig Schuster. They raised four amazing sons.
Kelly was a bright light in this world who touched the lives of so many as a teacher, a friend, a mother and a wife. She was passionate about her teaching career and gave her everything to each and every student that passed through her classroom. Kelly was known for her infectious smile, her quick whit and her kind and compassionate spirit.
Kelly always had the ability to make every situation better, right down to the last days of her battle with ALS. She was a pillar of strength and dignity. Everyone that crossed her path learned a lesson on how to handle adversity by staying strong and smiling.
Kelly was preceded in death by her father, Keith Candell and mother-in-law Nancy Schuster. She is survived by her husband, Kraig, her four sons, Keaton, Konor, Karter, and Kaleb (Sabrina), her mother Carolyn Candell, brother Tom (Mary), sisters Diane Dahl, Joan Ludwigson (Randy), Jane Wolfgram (Wade), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI from 5-7 p.m. The funeral mass will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska, WI at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Lunch will follow the church service at 12 p.m.
The Funeral Mass can be live streamed using the following link: https://www.stpatsonalaska.com
If you wish to honor Kelly, the family asks the following: hug a child who needs some love, share a smile with a stranger, and if you wish to consider a donation, a scholarship will be established in her name through Onalaska High School at a later date. Donations are also appreciated for the Wisconsin Chapter of the ALS.
Thank you for sharing Kelly with me. It meant a lot to have her friendship and grow together with our similarities like teaching kids, drinking wine, and laughing together. Her spirit moves me and makes me smile. Hugs, thoughts, and prayers to family at this difficult time.
My kids never had her, but she always treated them as if she did. She was extremely kind to me and my children, and when I had her boys, she likewise was a kind, concerned and loving parent.
When I think of Eagle Bluff, Kelly’s is definitely one of the faces that comes to mind. Her ever-present smile was infectious and sincere. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy. I knew Kelly first as a mother of infants in the NICU and later as a colleague. Her passion for life is unsurpassed.
Kelly was truly a gift! I honor her life and extend sincere sympathy to her family.
I was just talking about you the other day on how I had you in second grade . You were a great teacher! May you rest in a peace. My condolences to the family.
Kelly (and Kraig) hosted me as a foreign student in 2009. I will always remember her as the kindest and most generous host-mom I could ever hope for. She treated me like one of her own. May she rest in peace. I’m sending positive thoughts to the whole family.
To the family- Please accept my condolences. Kelly was a great teacher and an outstanding person. She was a bright light to all that knew her.
Kelly was very special to me. Our paths did not cross as often as i would have liked but she always had a smile on her face and welcomed me with open arms. Hopefully all her wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time and provide you with a little peace. Hugs ❤️
I will always remember Kelly’s hugs and bright smile. She was a great listener and an easy person to talk to. She had a way of making people feel special, and her pride for her family was second to none. Sincere condolences to the family. May you find peace in the countless beautiful memories you have.