Phyllis May Bresser

MADISON-Bresser, Phyllis May (Klatt), age 80 of Madison passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 23, 2014, at the Agrace Hospice Center surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born May 13, 1933, to William and Tillie Bresser (Machkovitz) in Waupun, Wisconsin. Phyllis was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Albert and Agnes Klatt, following the death of her mother shortly after her birth.

Phyllis graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1951. She was affectionately known as "Phil" during high school and was described by classmates as "Full of Fun and Fancy Free!" She worked at the Malleable Iron Range Company (Monarch Stove) from 1950-1954. Phyllis married Dennis William Swan on August 28, 1954. They resided in Byron, Texas, where Dennis was stationed at the air force base. Phyllis was an administrative clerk for the air force base until August 1956 at which time they returned to Wisconsin. In April 1957, Phyllis began employment as a switchboard operator with the Dodge County Courthouse in Juneau. In March of 1963, a new communication system was put into operation at the Courthouse, only the 3rd of its kind in Wisconsin at the time, and Phyllis spearheaded its operation. In 1967, Phyllis was appointed as the Deputy County Clerk for Dodge County. Following her divorce from Dennis, Phyllis moved to Sun Prairie and was employed as a steno clerk for the Chicago and North Western Railroad for 6 years and promoted to yard clerk at the depot in Janesville. In January, 1978, Phyllis began her employment with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Social Services, as a Typist III with the Bureau of Personnel. In August 1979, she began employment with the Bureau of Collections within the Department. The Bureau of Collections later became the Bureau of Fiscal Services. Phyllis formally retired from state service in May 1996; however, she returned to work with the Bureau of Fiscal Services as a limited term employee until 2006 (age 73). Phyllis did not believe in sitting idle.

Phyllis was an avid gardener and loved to show off her beautiful yard and gardens. She worked tirelessly all summer long, every summer, to bring life to her yard and beauty to the world. Phyllis was an excellent cook, a wonderful mother and grandmother, a giving and fiercely independent woman. Her big heart sought to bring comfort to others through food, companionship and friendship. Phyllis met many interesting people during her life, she formed many lasting friendships, and had many stories to share. Those who met her will never forget her. Phyllis is survived by her loving children, William (Patricia) Swan of Portage and Colette (Dale Anderson) of Sun Prairie, as well as her grandchildren, Hunter Anderson (age 18) and Amber Anderson (age 15), both of Sun Prairie. Phyllis' energy, sense of humor, and passion will be sorely missed by those she left behind.

Services will be held at the Monona United Methodist Church at 606 Nichols Road, Monona, on Wednesday, January 29th. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at the church. Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Services, 3325 E. Washington Ave. Madison WI, 608-249-6758, www.informedchoicefunerals.com

Mom, God called you to be with Him before we were ready to let you go. The angels rejoiced as you joined your heavenly family. We were so blessed to have you in our lives, and the world is a better place because you were in it. Mom, though we miss you terribly and our hearts are heavy with our loss, there are no goodbyes, because we shall meet again. We love you, we will always love you.