MADISON - Sara Rae Preez, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022 in Saint Paul, Minn. Sara was born in Madison, Wis., on Dec. 25, 1933, to Grace and Adolf Chille.

Sara enjoyed growing up on the east side of Madison with her brother, Junior, and three sisters, Anna Mae, Lois and Margaret. She and her sisters were known locally as “the Chille girls.” Even now, their many friends from back in the day still use this moniker. Sara was always proud to be a Chille girl. They remained not only her sisters but her lifelong best friends until the end.

Sara attended Frank Allis Elementary School and graduated from Madison East High School in 1951. On April 25, 1953, Sara married Ralph Preez. They were married in the chapel at United Church of Christ on Buckeye Road where Sara was a charter member. Sara and Ralph had a lot of fun together in their marriage. Ralph was a Shriner on the Zor Camel Patrol so their life was filled with “Shrine doings,” family, friends, and good times. Sara and Ralph had two children, Randy and Ronda, and were happily married for 54 years.

Sara worked at Oscar Mayer in their accounts payable department. It was from here that she would retire in 1988 after 32 years. She remained a loyal Oscar Mayer fan throughout her life. She always loved a good Oscar Mayer hot dog.

Sara loved classic country music. It was often that she, and at least one other Chille girl, would be in Nashville or Branson or some small-town festival listening to their favorite performers.

Sara collected pieces made by the Ceramic Arts Studio, a Madison treasure from the 1950s that produced ceramic figurines. She had an extensive collection that brought her joy.

In her final three years, Sara endured the struggle of dementia. In late 2020 Sara moved to Saint Paul where she resided near her daughter. She lived in a group home and was cared for by an amazing staff. Sara was visited daily by her family and went for walks around the block every day the weather allowed. Sara’s enduring memories were of her happy childhood with her parents and sisters, her husband, and most of all, home.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her beloved son, Randy; her mother, Grace; her father, Adolph; her brother, Junior; and her sister, Anna Mae Faust. Sara is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Justin); her sisters, Lois Kvammen and Margaret Kerber; her grandchildren, RJ Preez, Georgia-Rae and Vincent Plathe; along with many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, May 28, 2022, with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Rakhma Homes. Go to www.rakhma.org and click the Donate button or checks may be mailed to Rahkma Joy Home, 123 Wheeler St., Saint Paul, MN, 55105. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Sara Preez

December 25, 1933 - May 20, 2022

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