Sally Gaard

MADISON – Sally J. Gaard passed away at her home on July 12, 2021, at the age of 79, after a hard-fought battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was born on June 25, 1942, in Chippewa Falls, WI,  the daughter of Glen and Ethel Brunstad.  Sally and her five siblings grew up on the family dairy farm and attended the one-room schoolhouse down the road.

Sally graduated from Luther Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She married Gary Gaard that same year, and they moved to Madison.  Here she began her 40- year nursing career at Madison General Hospital and joined Bethany United Methodist Church.

Sally's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends at "The Cottage" on Pine Lake.  She enjoyed watching her children and then grandchildren grow up together at the lake, swimming, fishing, playing games, and making memories that will live on.

Gary and Sally began taking annual mission trips in 1990 with Volunteers in Mission. Their work took them to beautiful places such as Costa Rica, Kenya, Trinidad, Dominica, and Hawaii.

After her retirement, Sally continued to help others through her volunteer efforts.  She served over 8,000 hours at Meriter Hospital, participated in Volunteers in Mission trips, served her church in countless ways, and knit hundreds of baby hats for newborns.

Sally will be remembered most for her dedication to family and friends. She treasured the time spent with her sisters on their sister trips and fondly remembered the annual trips with her special group of nurses.  The memories she helped create will live on forever.

Sally is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Tom) Goulette and Stephanie (Rick) Hoselton; grandchildren, Danielle (Cameron) Wanek, Matthew, Darren, (Emily), Dillon, Lacey and great-granddaughter Kinsey; sisters, Nancy Monsen, Bertie (Chuck) Rose, Mary (Bill) Herrman, Connie (Mike) Riggle and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, with Pastors Brad Mather and Greg Jewison presiding. A memorial visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Sally was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and its educational mission was so important to her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made one of the P.E.O. projects, Cottey College at 1000 W Austin Blvd Nevada, MO 64772 or to the charity of donor's choice.

The memorial service will also be live-streamed via the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83144341062?pwd=bDMzeFRueCs5QW04T3BnOGpJWmVXZz09

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434