Obituaries

Phyllis A. Sletten, age 88, passed away on October 16, 2023, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on May 22, 1935, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to parents Gerhard “Gay” and Leona (Abicht) Nesseth.

Phyllis graduated in 1953 from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, she then went on to nursing school at St. Francis School of nursing in La Crosse graduating in 1956 as a Registered Nurse. During her training at Mendota Health, she met her future husband, Paul Sletten. Paul and Phyllis married on March 2, 1957.

Phyllis was musically talented. During high school, she was involved in choir and playing the piano. She was most proud of her participation in a musical called Brigadoon. In her “younger years” her love for performing continued, she was part of the Dancing Darlings (Grandmas) at the Virginia Davis School of Dance. Phyllis was a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for 30+ years, where she retired in 1995. In her spare time, she volunteered whenever she could, most notable for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired and as a teacher’s helper at Lakeview Elementary. She was a dedicated Badger sports fan, never missing a Badger football game and planning events around the Badger football schedule. She loved to golf, bowl, play cards, travel and host dinners, parties, card club you name it. Above all, she cherished and was most proud of her family. Phyllis’ motto she lived by was “Omania Vincit Amor” (love conquers all).

Phyllis is survived by her 2 children Linda (Dean) Johnson and Michael (Nancy Hacker) Sletten; grandchildren Megan Taylor, Eric (Beth) Johnson, Lora (Aurus Partello) Johnson, Matthew Sletten, Elizabeth (Mike) Skoglund, Michelle (Ian) Maland, and Aubrie (DJ) Premo; great grandchildren Riley Johnson, Kailin Taylor, Owen Taylor, Emerson Taylor, Mason Johnson, Evan Johnson, Braylon Premo, Brooks Premo, Brienna Maland, Cade Maland, and Elin Skoglund; her brother William (Kathy) Nesseth, sisters Maryellen Nesseth and Kathleen Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Gay and Leona Nesseth; husband Paul Sletten; son, David Sletten; daughter-in-law, Kathy Sletten; and daughter-in-law Leeann Sletten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial visitation will be held Monday, October 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

608-249-8257