Anna Christine "Tino" Nielsen

Madison/Montello - Anna Christine “Tino” Nielsen, age 78, died on February 7, 2024.  Anna was born on January 26, 1946, the daughter of Etlar L. Nielsen and Sarah Creecie Dyal Nielsen.

She attended Madison West Junior and Senior High School and graduated from there in 1964.  She attended Stout State College in Menomonie and graduated from Gale Institute of IBM in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1965. On November 27, 1965, she married Jim Michael Pharo. They had four children: Timothy, Tracy (TJ), Terence, and Ted.

Anna owned and operated “Raggedy’s Place,” a gift and craft shop in Montello, Wisconsin. She was the membership chairman for the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation, an officer of the Capital City Ski Team in addition to lead Dock Crew member, Costume designer and seamstress, and known as the “Team Mom.” Over the years, Anna worked for Cuna Mutual Insurance Company, TDS-CS, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  Anna was known and loved by a wide variety and diverse circle of friends. She worked tirelessly and volunteered with a huge heart to rescue and save animals, especially dogs. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Anna is survived by her children: Tim M. Pharo, Tracy J. (TJ) Pharo, and Terry M. Pharo; grandson Gavin and granddaughters, Taylor and Tinley; sister Karen Riely, sister-in-law, Judy Nielsen; her cousin and godmother: Alyce Cleermans; and many other nieces and nephews.

She is also leaving special friends: Marcia and Bill BonDurant and Sandra Kripps.

Anna is preceded in her death by her son, Ted; parents, Etlar and Sarah; her godfather, Clarence F. “Chick” Cleermans; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A prayer service will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services.  She will be laid to rest by her parents and son at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date.