Jeff Grady

Madison - Jeffrey J. "Jeff" Grady, age 64, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018. He was born on September 30, 1953, to Warren and Phyllis Grady. Jeff grew up in Port Washington with his parents and was the oldest of eight siblings. Port Washington was always a special place to Jeff as he was baptized, confirmed and ushered at Friedens United Church of Christ and played football, graduated and developed lifelong friendships at Port Washington High School. When he was a teenager, Jeff's family purchased a cottage on Townline Lake in Three Lakes, WI. Three Lakes became a refuge where he spent many summers working and enjoying the Northwoods, a love that he would share and pass to his wife and children many years later.

After high school Jeff attended the University of Wisconsin ("UW") for undergrad and law school in Madison - a city where he would meet and marry (August 13, 1977) his wife, Sandy, raise two boys (Chris and Ryan), and call his home for the rest of his life. While at UW, Jeff further developed his love of debate and his lifelong love affair with UW sports. After graduating law school, Jeff was a respected attorney before becoming a business owner and IT consultant. Beyond pursuing his career, Jeff was active as Cubmaster for his sons, participating in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics, and running two marathons. He also enjoyed attending Redefined and Madhatters acapella concerts, tailgating at and watching Badger football games and brunching with his wife. He also loved to travel. The three weeks he spent in Australia with his wife and sons was a trip that he talked about until his last days.

Family and friends were always the most important thing to Jeff. Whether it was his connection to Friedens, Three Lakes, genealogy, Port Washington history, family gatherings, tailgating at Badger football games, or golf outings - Jeff enjoyed seeing family and friends and feeling a greater connection to those he loved most. In a similar fashion, Jeff deeply touched the lives of his family, friends, and co-workers with his humor, kindness, and optimism.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Chris (Tricia) and Ryan (Emmy); grandchildren, Jackson, Addison, and Brisbane; parents, Warren and Phyllis; and his seven brothers and sisters, Kevin (Nancy), Sue (Mark), Kim (Al), Tom (Deona), Karen (Dave), Derek, and Michael (Dawn). He is also survived by nineteen nieces and nephews, and twelve grand nieces and nephews (and three on the way) as well as several 'adopted' children of friends.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation/Tailgating inside the funeral home (one of Jeff's favorite things to do) will follow the service from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Badger attire is welcome.

We thank all those that have had Jeff in their thoughts and prayers for so many months. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Carbone Cancer Center at UW Hospital and Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. Also, to family and friends, thank you for your love and support which made these last few months more bearable.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jeff's name to the Carbone Cancer Center or Agrace Hospice.

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434