Madison - Florence Louise Deese, age 89 passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Oak Park Place East Madison. Florence was born May 2, 1933, to Arthur and Ruby Haase in Tomah, WI. She attended St. Paul Lutheran School and graduated from Tomah High School in 1951.

Florence was united in marriage to Lemuel H. (Jack) Deese on December 13, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomah. She has been a resident of Madison since August of 1955. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years. She then was employed part time by the State of Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs for 20 years, retiring in October 1991.

Florence was a long-time active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church serving on the Altar Guild, Women’s Guild, Praise Team and the Board of Christian Woman. She also served as the coordinator of visitation ministries.

She is survived by her children: Lynn Stephenson, Julianne (Mark) McGill, and Mark Deese (Mary Kay King). Grandchildren: Eric (Cary) Stephenson, Sean (Rachel) Stephenson, Ryan Stephenson (Kasha Peters), Meghan Deese (Brian Fitzgerald), Mackenzie (Michael) Radloff , Stacie McGill (Kamsath Vong), Jack McGill and Morgan McGill. Great Grandchildren: Brock Stephenson, Noah Stephenson, Haylee Stephenson, Jude Stephenson, Ezra Stephenson, Cora Rose Radloff, Isla Peters, Elinor Kay Fitzgerald, and Baby Vong due Jan 1, 2023. She is preceded in Death by her parents, her sister, Shirley, her husband, Jack, daughter Diane and her son-in-law George Stephenson.

She loved and enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She even grew to love her great grand dog, Max. Florence served the Lord with gladness wherever and whenever she was needed. Her church was “home” to her. She hoped and prayed that her faith and life were a witness to her love for her Lord and Savior. Memorials may be made in Florence’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704.

Florence’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Agrace Hospice Care East and to the entire 2nd Floor Assisted Living staff at Oak Park Place East Madison. Also, special thanks to “Peggy” Florence’s next-door Oak Park Place neighbor. Finally, a heap of gratitude to JoEllen for keeping Florence’s hair beautified every Friday. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Ryan Funeral Home, Sherman from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Florence Deese

May 02, 1933 - August 20, 2022

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