Stuart Olkes

MADISON- Stuart Phillip Olkes passed away peacefully from metastatic melanoma on March 7th, 2016 at the age of 58. He was born on June 11th, 1957 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third and youngest son of Rosalyn and Elmer Olkes. He married Susan Benjamin-Olkes on October 22nd, 2004 in the Bahamas.

Stuart enjoyed spending time with his family, as well as his many professional colleagues and friends around the world. He loved scuba diving, playing golf, white water rafting, traveling, and following his favorite teams like the Wisconsin Badgers and his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. He was an avid reader and could always be found in close company of his beloved dog Bentley. In his adopted hometown of Madison, Wisconsin he was readily recognized for his red hair, ever-present smile, and quick-witted humor.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University in 1979, while also majoring in Marketing and Management. From 1980 to 1982 he continued studies toward an MBA at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Missouri.

In his professional life, he was a legend in the shoe industry. From 1982 to 1991, Stuart served as the Vice President of Wohl Shoe Company in St. Louis, Missouri. After that, he became a buyer and then the Vice President of Divisional Merchandise of men's, women's, and athletic departments for Famous Footwear. From 2007 on, he worked as the Strategic Business Development Manager with Sketchers USA.

He is survived by his family who loved him deeply including his wife Susan, brother Bobby, and children Josh Olkes, Saree Boroditsky (Ilya), Adam Benjamin and Dina Marie Pitta, as well as his best furry friend, Bentley. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters in law who will greatly miss him at family events.

He is preceded in death by his parents Rosalyn and Elmer Olkes and his brother, Sid Olkes.

Stuart and his family wanted to give special thanks to Dr. Tom McFarland, his nurse Therese Quinn and the entire oncology team at The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. They would also like to thank the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for taking care of Stuart in his last weeks. Finally, personal thanks to Michael Greenberg and the entire Sketchers USA family for their generous and continued support until the end.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison WI on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 11am. Burial will follow at Beit Olamim Jewish Cemetery in Sunset Memory Gardens.

Donations can be made in Stuart's name to The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

Baruch dayan emet. Blessed is the True Judge.


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434