Kylene Anttila

MIDDLETON-Our beloved Kylene McVicar Anttila, 38, of Middleton Wisconsin, slipped away peacefully with her family at her side after a 15 ½ month battle with glioblastoma on September 25, 2016. She was born September 19, 1978, to Debi and Butch Anttila.

Kylene graduated from Mesabi East High School, class of 1997. Her life's passion was to work with kids. She became a child life specialist after graduating from UMD in 2000 with bachelor's degrees in psychology and early childhood development. In 2008, she received her Master's Degree in Human Ecology from UW Madison. Kylene worked at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Madison VA Hospital and most recently at UW Madison Children's Hospital. At both institutions she gave comfort to sick children, support to parents and families, and was a tireless advocate for children's safety and health care.

In 2005, Kylene met Stuart McVicar, and the two were married August 1, 2009. They spent their time together traveling to their favorite places such as Moab, Scotland, Colorado, Cape Cod, Lambeau Field and Palo. Kylene enjoyed reading to Butch, karaoke, rowing, downhill skiing, mountain biking and falling, painting, designing and relaxing on the porch with friends, family and her favorite drink, G&T.

Kylene is remembered for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, infectious laughter and kind heart. The Finnish word SISU means courage and determination in the face of adversity. It describes Kylene's grace with which she approached life, the courage she maintained when facing a terminal illness, and the dignity that was always hers.

She was a proud and devoted mother to her five-year-old son, Butch. Kylene's hopes, dreams and SISU live on in him.

In addition to her parents, Kylene is survived by her husband, Stuart McVicar; son, Butch McVicar; beloved English bulldog, Stanley; sisters, Krissy (Chad) Coudron and Kelly (Marty) Momsen; sister-in-law, Anne (George) Acker; brother-in-law, Richard (Laurel) McVicar; mother-in law, Helen McVicar; nephews, Tony, Brayden and Kyle Coudron and Finn Momsen; nieces, Amanda and Danielle Acker; aunties and uncles, Anna (Larry) Meehan, Becky (Roger) Byzewski, Brenda (Jim) Mingo, Linda (Mitz) Delcaro, Danny (Shelley) Anttila, Lollie (Larry) Randen; cousins, Snoopy and Woodstock; and cancer warriors everywhere.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Maxine and Earl Belford and Anton and Ilona Anttila and Elsie Anttila.

A Memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 10 am at First Presbyterian Church (5763 Co Rd Q, Waunakee, WI 53597), service at 11:00 with fellowship after. Kylene will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mendota Rowing Club Or for Butch Angus McVicar's future education fund.

Winn Cress Funeral Home