Anne Flaten

Madison - Anne Louise Flaten, aged 53, passed peacefully on September 5, 2014 at her home in Madison, Wisconsin surrounded by close family, after a courageous, fourteen-month battle with cancer.

Anne was born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, and attended Beloit Memorial High School, graduating in 1979. Anne described her childhood as "perfect", and her years in Beloit shaped her for the rest of her life. She was always proud of her hometown.

After High School, Anne moved to Madison, Wisconsin to begin her education as a Respiratory Therapist. Following graduation from Madison Area Technical College, Anne began a thirty-two year career at UW-Hospital and Clinics. She worked in TLC for more than twenty years prior to climbing the administrative ladder. Anne went on to become a supervisor and eventually the director of the respiratory therapy department at UW-Hospital before the cancer coerced her into a premature retirement. Anne's career achievements remained to be some of her proudest accomplishments.

Anne used her leisure time as actively as she had used her work life. As an avid exerciser, she would walk her dog every morning at the break of dawn in addition to many mornings at her health-club, so that she may achieve her personal exercise goals prior to the commencement of the workday. Anne also enjoyed golfing with her husband, and became an enthusiastic bike rider later in life. She was passionate about exercise because it provided her mental clarity. Additionally, Anne loved to travel, going on many European vacations, enabled by one of her best friend's, Pam, who was luckily a pilot.

Anne was also ardent about her faith, attending mass most Sunday mornings. In addition to attending mass, Anne volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and spent many Sunday evenings with the Luke House Community Meal Program in Madison.

Anne was preceeded in death by her father Don Helms and her father-in-law Milo Flaten.

Anne is survived by her husband, Mike Flaten; son, Max Flaten; Mother, Gale Helms; brothers Barry (Cindy), Randy (Chris), Butch (Kelly) and Don (Vicki) Helms; in-laws, Dan (Sue) Flaten and Catherine (Steve) Jones, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday September 11, 2014 at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd. with Rev. Katie Baardseth presiding. A gathering to celebrate Anne's life will also be held from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday September 12, 2014 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road.