Sally A.

(Schlegel) Kressin

Sally A. (Schlegel) Kressin, 87, Lake Mills, Wis. was called home to the Lord July 4, 2025, surrounded by family. She will be greatly missed. Sally was born November 13, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, to the late Harold and Mary (Costello) Schlegel. Sally is a 1956 graduate of the Academy of the Visitation high school and graduated from Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology.

Sally married Richard "Dick" Kressin on June 11,1960 and they celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to his death in 2020. Dick and Sally moved to Lake Mills in 1968 where Sally began substitute teaching, then taught full time as a junior high science teacher in Johnson Creek for 21 years until her retirement.

While teaching full time, Sally became a volunteer EMT with the Lake Mills EMS, starting on the inaugural crew in 1974, and serving 43 1/2 years until her retirement from EMS. Much of that time was as EMS President and Service Director.

Sally received several awards and commendations throughout her life, but the honor she held highest came in 2010 when she received the esteemed Jefferson Award which recognizes selfless acts that have a lasting impact in the lives of others and the community. She placed second of state recipients, which nearly qualified her for national recognition in Washington D.C.

Sally had a deep Catholic faith and was an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Lake Mills. She was on the parish council at various times over the years, including Parish Council President. She enjoyed volunteering at church events.

Sally was a respected community member and a recognized "Queen of Fundraising," both for the church and for the EMS. She also adamantly supported the fundraising causes of others. She most recently served on the committee for the community senior bingo.

Traveling to various casinos was a favorite pastime. She absolutely loved to play bingo. She loved to gamble. She loved to gamble at bingo. She was also a huge fan of the Die Hard series of movies. She was known for her flair of wearing "snazzy" hats — her collection was immense.

Sally was an avid Badgers and Packers fan but held a fanatic passion for the Milwaukee Brewers and preferred that you not disturb her while she watched their games. A caring friend to everyone, she loved helping all people — especially the elderly, but never considered herself to fall within that classification.

Sally's boisterous personality exemplified her fun-loving nature. A sarcastic wit, she could exchange banter like no other. As a born leader, she liked to be in charge (and was good at it). She had preplanned for the end of her life to ensure everything would get done right. She lived a full life with no regrets and quoted Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way!"

Sally is survived by her four children, Christine (Roger), Peggy, Michael, and Patricia; five cherished granddaughters: Michele, Andrea, Lauren, Samantha (Adam), and MacKenzie; her beloved great-grandson Boden John; special nephews, Doug (Tricia) and Jeff (Amy) Haverland, and special niece, Lori Nye. She is further survived by her sister-in-law Marna "Lois" Schlegel, brothers-in-law Dick Haverland, Jim (Shirley) Kressin, and Gary Gonfiantini; other nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband; brothers, George and Richard Schlegel; sisters, Betty Haverland and Catherine Schlegel; son-in-law, John Austin; nephews, Gary and Mark Schlegel; niece, Kathy Clark; and sisters- and brothers-in-law. Special thank you to Tracy Nehring for her selfless care and friendship; and to an extraordinary friend, Linda Delaney, who Sally proclaimed as her "angel without wings." Also, thank you to Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Catholic funeral mass, Fr. John Hedrick presiding, will be held Sunday, July 6, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 602 College St., Lake Mills, with visitation next door at the Catechetical Center, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m until the time of the service. After mass, a gathering will be held at the Center. A private burial will be held at a later date. Should you wish, mass intentions are appreciated, or just do something nice for an elderly person or someone in need.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com