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MADISON - Warren George Lister, age 93, went home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 8, 2026. He died at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg, with family at his bedside. Warren was born on May 23, 1932, the only child of George and Viola (Heine) Lister. He was raised by his mother. Though his mother had a huge influence in his life, he credits his uncle, grandfather and Boy Scout Scoutmaster for being important male role models. As a child of the Great Depression, he lived by the motto, "Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without." He was thrifty and a saver all his life.

Warren graduated from Boys Tech High School, Milwaukee. He worked for a boatbuilder and for Dahlman Construction Company for a few years and then joined the Milwaukee Fire Department. He served 30 years with the fire department, retiring with the rank of lieutenant.

He met Marilyn Dixie Lee Dean at a roller-skating rink when he was 19. He was attracted by the way she wore her long pearl necklace in a cross-body fashion. They were married on October 6, 1956, at The Church of the Nazarene, Milwaukee. They were married for 66 years, until Marilyn's death in 2023. They had two beloved daughters, Marilaine and Rebecca. Warren was a faithful husband and a devoted father. He taught his daughters how to work hard and persevere through tough times.

Warren proudly served 22 years in the military. In the United States Naval Reserve, he trained as a submariner on the USS Tautog and then transferred to the Navy's Construction Battalion, known as the "Seabees." He completed his service with five years in the Air National Guard's 128th Refueling Wing. Although he never saw active duty, he was always ready, willing and able.

When he wasn't fighting fires or away on military training, Warren was working hard on his hobbies - building homes and boats, sailing, cutting down trees and farming. He singlehandedly built a duplex for his mother, and right next door, he built another duplex for himself and his wife. Later, he built a single-family home on Milwaukee's northwest side where he and Marilyn raised their daughters. Warren also built a beautiful cottage on Pine Lake in central Wisconsin. The cottage is a family legacy providing special times for family and friends, including Peterson Family Reunions, a biennial gathering of Marilyn's relatives.

Warren and Marilyn were sincere Christians and active church members all their married lives. After retirement, they moved into a newly built home in Pewaukee that Warren designed himself. While there, Warren developed a particular interest in end time prophecies and participated in the pro-life movement.

With all his years of military training and firefighting, Warren was a tireless storyteller, always wanting to impart knowledge and share his faith. He would often say, "I'm from the day when ships were made of wood and men were made of steel."

Warren is survived by his daughters, Marilaine Blair-Patrick (Mike Patrick) and Rebecca (David) Brynelson; grandchildren, Kelsey (Carlos) Henriquez, Kristin (Keaton) Loose, Kevin Blair and Jonathan (Dayah) Brynelson; and great grandchildren, Parker, Sloane and Reese Loose, and Nolan Henriquez. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A funeral service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6202 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with a luncheon and military honors to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Warren and Marilyn will be interred at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date.

Special thank you to Warren’s caregivers at Oak Park Place and Agrace HospiceCare for their continued care and support.

Memorial gifts may be given to Door Creek Church, Agrace HospiceCare, Evangelical Child and Family Agency or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Warren Lister

May 23, 1932 - January 08, 2026

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