Judith "Judy" H. Saganski

Judith Haugen Saganski, age 69, passed away in her home surrounded by family on Thursday, December 12, 2024. She was born on May 1, 1955 in Stoughton, WI, the only daughter of the late Olaf T. and Dorothy (Gyland) Haugen.

Judy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977 and her Master of Arts in Education from Silver Lake College in 2011. She met her husband of 43 years, Phil, in 1975 while members of Chorale at UW-Madison. They married on July 18, 1981 at Covenant Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Judy was a music teacher for over 40 years, starting in Lake Geneva and Fontana in 1977 before teaching in Sun Prairie from 1981 until her retirement in 2018. She taught general music and choir at all levels. In 2015, she began co-directing the Youth Choirs at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with her daughter, Breta.

Judy loved to read, especially outside in the backyard when the weather was nice, often with a dog by her side. She was also, of course, a very talented musician. Her family cherishes the countless memories of her singing, and playing piano and guitar. Over the years, she became a crafting queen and excelled in sewing, knitting, and making quilts. Her creativity was inspiring and always appreciated.

In her retirement years, she became a fan of kayaking. She and her husband went on many day trips throughout Wisconsin to explore new bodies of water. She also enjoyed the outdoors by golfing, though mostly the driving range, and never to keep score.

A frequent traveler throughout her life, she made her way to New York and California, Mexico and Canada, as well as overseas to Switzerland, Norway, and South Korea. She enthusiastically planned many of these trips, searching out interesting sights to see, memorable places to stay, and trying new and sometimes exotic foods.

Judy also took pleasure in planning small gatherings and local outings with her family, friends, and colleagues. These included seeing shows at the American Players Theatre or the Overture Center, weekend getaways with her cousins, or simple backyard picnics.

Judy is survived by her husband Phil; her children Paul, Gustie, and Breta; her brother Greg (Karen) Haugen; her sister-in-law Patricia (Greg) Mueller; as well as six nephews (Charlie, Curt, Nick (Jenny), Peter, Alex, and John), and two great nieces (Lizzie and Elena), along with numerous cousins and many dear friends.

A service celebrating the life of Judy will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at noon at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. Friends and family are invited to a visitation beginning at 10am, with a luncheon following the service in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center. https://give.wiscmedicine.org/give/392780/#!/donation/checkout

Judy’s family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their help and support with Judy’s final days at home. 

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI  53590

608-837-9054