Byron Bries

Madison - Byron J. Bries, age 85 passed away at Agrace Hospice on Friday, December 5, 2014 with his loving family by his side. He was born on February 27, 1929 the son of, Albert and Mary (Vandehey) Bries in Wrightstown, Wisconsin. Byron proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1946 to 1950. On June 17, 1950, he was united in marriage to Kathleen F. Zilisch. Together they resided for many years in the Green Bay area until they moved their family to Madison where Byron was an owner and operator of the Ramada Inn until his retirement. Byron was a devoted catholic and member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. He took enormous pride in his family, particularly his grandchildren. As a family, they camped, fished and spent many family gatherings playing cards and board games together. Byron loved nothing more than being around his family and until health challenges limited him, made every effort to attend the grandchildren's school, sporting and music events. In later years, Byron and Kathleen enjoyed wintering in Florida. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren until his final moment of life.
Byron is survived by his wife of 64 years; Kathleen, three daughters; Gail (Pat) Kohn, Julie Flugum, Joan (Stuart) Clifcorn, six grandchildren; Melissa (Brett) McLain, James Kohn, Sara (Brooks Wilcox) Flugum, Kristin Flugum, Cory Clifcorn and Amber Clifcorn as well as five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first born daughter; Sheryl and four other infant daughters and sons, his parents, and eight siblings; Ollie, Jack, Norb, Sherman, Donald, Bobby, Gerald, and Mildred. Byron was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Harry and Valerian Zilisch who he loved like they were his own parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 12 Noon with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Military honors will conclude Mass at church on Saturday. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Graveside services will be held at a later date at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Denmark, WI.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Richelle Fields and the staff at Meriter Wisconsin Heart, the ER staff and 8th Floor staff at Meriter Hospital, Dr. Mihai Teodorescu and the UW Health East Geriatric Clinic staff, and Agrace Hospice Inpatient Unit for all their compassion, love and care given to Byron and his family throughout this difficult time.
DAD, "OFF WE GO, INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER"...

Cress Funeral Home
3325 E. Washington Ave
Madison, WI
608-249-6666
www.cressfuneralservice.com