Gretchen Lee Colby

On July 13, 2023, at her favorite time of day, at her beloved cottage, with Perry Mason playing quietly in the background, Gretchen Colby, 92, of Madison, Wisconsin left this earth for her cabin in the sky.  She was born on December 1, 1930, to Bernice and Glen Briggs.  She graduated from Madison West high school in 1949, and married her high school sweetheart, John Colby.  She held a number of jobs throughout her life, including Buyer at the Teen Colony at Manchester’s department store on the square, but her most important role was as a mom, grandma and great grandma.  She had many talents, not the least of which was knitting. She is survived by her children Tom (Lou Ann), Dave (Linda) and Jill (Pete); her grandchildren Robin (Bobby), Brian (Jill), Kim (Jeremy), Mark, Dana (Matthew), Kevin (Abby), Kyle and Helen, and great grandchildren Ben, Jack, Grady, Evie, June and Noah, and sister Judy.  

A private family gathering will be held.  She requested no memorials.  

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434