Alfred "Ace" Stadthaus

Alfred “Ace” Stadthaus grew up in Mayville, Wis., graduating from Mayville High in 1961. He played basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, before transferring to La Crosse State College (now UW-L), where he graduated with a degree in 1967. With his teammates, Ace helped lead UW-L to the conference basketball title in 1965, the last conference basketball title won by La Crosse until just recently. Ace led the team in rebounding in the two years he played, setting the school rebounding record for a season, a record which still stands today.

Upon graduation, Ace began working at UW-L in the newly formed student financial aid department, eventually leading the department as its director, until his retirement 34 years later. During this time, Ace earned a master’s degree from UW-L, in student personnel services. Ace was highly involved in UW-L activities throughout his life, attending different athletic events, being active in alumni organizations, and running the clock at basketball and football games. He loved the university and the many friends he made there.

Ace and his wife, Jeanette, also a UWL grad, were married for over 50 years, a model marriage of love and partnership that lasted until the very end. Ace and Jeanette loved the Coulee Region and its people, and together they were active in the community, volunteering with organizations like the Jaycees and the American Red Cross. Ace’s love for Jeanette was the central story of his life, a love that endured until the very end.

Ace enjoyed all sports, especially basketball and golf, which he played regularly with friends in the La Crosse area, and during winters in Texas, with friends met from around the country. He was an enthusiastic fan of UW-L, the Badgers, and the Packers all of his life. He loved the outdoors, enjoying golfing, boating and hiking at various stages of his life. Ace was generous and fun-loving, known by many in the Coulee Region from his active involvement in the community throughout his life.