Cheryl Haugen

Oregon- Cheryl Haugen passed away on January 9, 2020 at Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg, WI. She was 73 years old. Cheryl was born on June 20, 1946 in Rockford IL, the daughter of Orrin and Marjorie (Holden) Christianson. In kindergarten, she met her future husband and on May 23, 1970, she married James Haugen, at St. John Vianney Church in Janesville, WI. Initially working as a nursing assistant, in 1969 Cheryl graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Janesville, and accepted a position on the orthopedic ward at the "Old" UW Hospital on University Avenue. Her career led her to a position in the pediatric unit at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital and then in the recovery room at Milwaukee County Hospital. After Jim and Cheryl returned to Madison, she worked a brief time at Madison General Hospital and then 29 years in the recovery room (PACU) at St. Mary's Medical Center in Madison. She loved her patients, the staff and physicians at St. Mary's, working as a preceptor, charge and staff nurse. After retirement, Cheryl continued mentoring the next generation of health care professionals through Madison College and the YWCA, by working as a clinical instructor. She also taught bedside fundamentals to nursing assistant students especially enjoying the groups from Monona Grove High School. After her second retirement, Cheryl continued to care for others by checking blood pressures at the Oregon Area Senior Center.

Besides being passionate about nursing, Cheryl enjoyed watching her daughter at Ridgewood Pool swim meets which including cooking massive batches of spaghetti for 200 hungry swimmers the night before the All-City Swim Meets. She played City Rec Coed softball with friends for several years, enjoying the team family post-game ritual of pizza and cool beverages. She loved to read and was at her best sitting in the sun with a stack of books by her side.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 49 years, her daughter Andrea (Aaron Hill) and step-grandchildren, Evan and Libby Hill. She is survived by her brother, David Christianson of Madison, sister-in-law, Genevieve Haugen of Gainesville, FL, and brother-in-law, John (Diane) Haugen and their family of Monona.

The family would like to thank the staff and physicians of Dean Hematology and Oncology Center, St. Mary's Medical Center, and Agrace Hospice Center for the care and compassion they shared with Cheryl.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:30PM on Thursday, January 16, 2020, and from 10:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00AM on Friday, January 17, 2020 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI.

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Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434