Rae Ladd

Stoughton- Rae Skibrek Ladd, age 95, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Agrace HospiceCare Center. She was born in the parsonage in Stoughton (now the Stoughton Museum), on February 18, 1919, the daughter of Claude and Ada Skibrek. Her parents owned and operated Ski's for 36 years, where Rae worked once she was tall enough to see over the counter. She attended Stoughton Schools and graduated from UW Whitewater with a teaching degree. Rae taught 5th grade on Waukesha and Madison. In 1949 she married Ludwig Ladd at the home of Royal and Beulah Ladd in Edgerton. Rae was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1966 she served as the Worthy Grand Matron of the OES of the State of WI. She served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Masonic Home. In 1995 Rae received the Citizen of the Year award from the Masonic Lodge in Stoughton. Rae was a dedicated volunteer and active in the Stoughton community. She was a member of the Stoughton American Legion Auxiliary, serving as President for many years, and as Liaison for the American Legion State Scholarships. Rae served as President of the Stoughton Hospital Auxiliary from 1976-1978, and ran the gift shop for many years. Rae volunteered for the Stoughton Senior Citizens newspaper and was the correspondence for the Stoughton Weekenders. She enjoyed being an Ambassador for the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce for her entire life and was very proud of this accomplishment. In 2009 the Chamber of Commerce dedicated a scholarship in Rae's name, that is still given annually. Rae was invited to the Stoughton Schools to talk about the History of Stoughton. She is survived by her daughter, Louise (Bob) Ladd-Whitson of New Berlin; son, Burton Ladd of McFarland; and two granddogs, Nicky and Max. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton. Private burial will take place at a later date. Friends may greet the family from 12 noon until the time of remembrance on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stoughton Historical Museum, Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton American Legion, or WI Eastern Star Foundation. Please share your memories.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244