Theodore Schnese

Theodore Ferdinand Schnese, age 86, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025 after a severe head injury. He was born February 14, 1939 in Chippewa Falls, the son of Theodore and Alta (Willman) Schnese. Ted married Pauline (Polly) Wegner on August 3, 1963, in Spencer, Wisconsin.

Ted attended Sheboygan Central high school, earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education from Lawrence University in 1961, and his Masters of Arts in Applied Brass from Denver University in 1966. He taught bands in Spencer, Boys Town, Waupaca, and Stoughton until retirement. Ted kept busy throughout his life and retirement with many activities and hobbies. Although he had his own ideas and philosophies about life and religion, it did not keep him from participating in many church activities (altar server, teaching youth religion classes, directing the church choir, and playing his trumpet at St. Ann’s church).

Music was truly his life; in addition to teaching band, he taught private lessons, played in Second Swing Around and the Stoughton City Band (from its inception) and other groups over the years. He also sang in Barbershop Choirs and Festival Choir, and Ted took ballroom dancing for many years with his wife, Polly, and they were well known in the community for this. He spent countless hours in his “shop” repairing and cleaning instruments, but was most at peace in his massive backyard garden. That’s where Ted came up with many of his profound thoughts, advice, and hilarious stories and puns and how he became “famous” for his garlic dill pickles. Ted was most proud of his 49 years of sobriety and gave talks to youth and adults regarding addiction and recovery.

Ted is survived by his wife Polly, his daughters Terri (Mike Magnus) and Nicole, his sister Mary, friend Scott Bruer, and grandchildren Phillip, Natalie, Benjamin and William. Ted was preceded in death by his father Theodore, mother Alta, sister Patty, and his beloved son Tim.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, Fr. Randy Budnar presiding. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

He will forever be remembered by his children and grandchildren for his “famous” quote: “You pays your money, you takes your chances.”