Phillip C. Saganski

Phillip Carl Saganski, age 70, passed away in the comfort of his home on the evening of Sunday, December 7, 2025. He was born on November 15, 1955 in West Allis, WI, the youngest child of the late Anthony Frank and Dorothy Violet (Nelson) Saganski.

Phil earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977. He met his wife of 43 years, Judy, in 1975 while both were members of Chorale at UW-Madison. The two married on July 18, 1981 at Covenant Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Phil spent most of his working years as a Madison cabbie, as well as a stint as an appliance repairman.

Phil always looked for ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. He took great pleasure in long-distance biking and exploring new hiking trails. He was an avid gardener and loved cooking for his family. Not even a snowstorm could keep him away from his grill. Golfing was one of Phil’s favorite pastimes, and he played softball until a memorable moment rounding second base—when he snapped both Achilles tendons. He often joked that he would have made it to third if not for the injury. He also played many racquet sports, winning state squash titles in 1984 and 1999.

After retirement, he and his wife Judy took to the water with a pair of kayaks, spending their days paddling and fishing all across Wisconsin. It was also during this time that Phil returned to the stage as an actor, taking part in theatrical productions in and around Madison, including three shows with the Madison Savoyards where he also served a term as their board president. Some of his favorite theatrical roles throughout his life included his time with the Savoyards as a Juror, Pirate, and Dragoon, Mr.

Laurence in Madison College’s “Little Woman”, and the voice of the big black box in his high school production of “The Big Black Box.”

As a musician, Phil was a longtime member of the Senior Choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he helped form the “Old Hims” men’s choir, and “Ukeology” a church ukulele group. Additionally, he was a charter member of the Sun Prairie Area Chorus, and later joined up with the Prairie Strummers. He was always looking for opportunities to perform and share his love of music. His family cherishes the countless memories of him singing, playing ukulele, and telling stories with silly voices.

A frequent traveler through the years, he made his way all around the United States, a few times to Canada, as well as overseas to Switzerland, Norway, and South Korea. He was a life-long learner, and even studied the Korean language at Madison College prior to his trip.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Michael, and wife Judy.

Phil is survived by his children Paul, Gustie, and Breta; his sister Patricia (Greg) Mueller; brother-in-law Greg (Karen) Haugen; six nephews (Charlie, Curt, Nick (Jenny), Peter, Alex, and John); two grandnieces (Lizzie and Elena); as well as numerous cousins and friends.

A service celebrating Phil’s life will be held at noon on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Cress Funeral Home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Friends and family are invited to a visitation beginning at 10am, with a luncheon following the service at Buck & Honey’s on Liberty Boulevard and North Bird Street.

If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following link to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=146ca226-7f88-476d-8214-210588c5abec

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

Phil’s family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their help and support during his final days at home.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054