Alyce Ann "Sandy" Vlasak

MADISON - Alyce Ann “Sandy” Vlasak passed away in the early morning hours of March 14, 2026. Alyce was 98 years old. Alyce was born on June 4, 1927, to Scott Thompson and Stella (Leimkuehler) Thompson. She was born in the farming community of Germantown, Wis., a small, unincorporated town just outside Cazenovia. Alyce was the second eldest of seven born to Scott and Stella. Alyce recalled her childhood as a happy time. As the oldest girl, she watched over her younger siblings while her parents and older brother, Alfred, worked daily farm tasks. For entertainment after the work/school day when all chores were done, Alyce and her siblings gathered around the radio, listening to baseball games and news broadcasts. Alyce and her siblings remained close throughout their lives. Alyce was gentle but feisty and was unafraid to stand up for herself in an age when women were generally less sassy.  She was beautiful and possessed a broad, lovely smile - you had to smile when you saw it.

Alyce worked hard her entire life. Before and after graduation from Cazenovia High School in 1945, Alyce worked at Badger Ordinance in Baraboo, Wis., to support the war effort. She soon moved to Madison to work for the telephone company and at this time began introducing herself to new acquaintances as “Sandra” or “Sandy” Thompson. She just liked the name. She befriended Eleanor Vlasak at the phone company, who introduced Sandy to her brother, Bobby, a U.S. Army veteran recently returned from serving in the Japan theater of World War II. Sandy and Bob fell in love and were married on February 4, 1948. Bob named the family boat the Alyce Ann, but he always called Alyce “Sandra” or “Sandy.”  Everyone from our father’s side of the family called her “Sandy.” Everyone from her own side of the family continued to call her “Alyce.” Mom was always comfortable with this naming split.  

Alyce started working at Oscar Mayer in 1950, shortly after the birth of her first child, Rhonda. Three additional children - Robert Jr., Terri and Mark - were added to the family over the next 12 years. Alyce worked in retail production departments throughout her career at Oscar Mayer. She retired in 1986. She was glad to retire and treasured the many friends she made while working. Prior to her retirement, in 1976 Alyce realized one of her dreams. She and her sister, Helen, came upon a local house listing and drove over to see the house, a four pillared, two-story white colonial with black shutters and a pool in back. Alyce fell in love with the house - it was exactly what she had dreamed of as a young girl. She gained Bob’s agreement to forego a planned trip to Hawaii and they instead bought her dream house. In addition to her love for her home and family, Alyce loved grocery shopping - she loved trying new products and technologies, the Cubs, the Packers and Badgers, lily-of-the-valley, blueberry pancakes, cookies and the color yellow. Alyce also loved her dogs - she doted on all of her fur babies and took them on long, meandering walks through the neighborhood for as long as she was able.

Alyce spent many happy years in her house, remaining in her home with the hands-on support of her children until October 2025. At that time, Alyce suffered a fall that broke her tibia. After surgery, Alyce went from the hospital to a series of rehab centers, determined to get back on her feet and go home.  Although the bone mended and Alyce put her whole heart and soul into regaining the strength and the ability to walk again, it was sadly not to be.  Alyce struggled to regain her lost strength and passed while at Hattie’s Glen Care Center, in her sleep on a Saturday morning before the sun rose for the day.  

Alyce is survived by her children, Rhonda, Rob (Hilary), Terri (Rodger) and Mark (Sarah); grandchildren, Emily Bavery (Kyle) and James (Elizabeth); grandchildren by marriage, Ryan Bingham (Lisa) and Lindsay Bingham (Iman); brothers, Gerald (Mary) and Philip; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Crosswait and Betty Keesler; and many much-loved nieces and nephews and friends. Among those preceding Alyce in death were her husband, Bob; parents, Scott and Stella; siblings, Alfred, Clarence, Helen (Peroutka) and Irvin; parents-in-law, Louis and Julia Vlasak; sisters-in-law, Judy Thompson, Mary Schell, Marge Ulrich and Connie Rector; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Peroutka Sr., Al Vlasak, Mark Crosswait, Ron Ulrich, Glen Schell and Norm Keesler; and beloved pets, Poni, Katie Scarlett and Jasmine. Mom loved and lived with passion. Those of us who know her best admire her fighting spirit and will profoundly miss her beautiful little face, her big smile and her laugh.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Alyce’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Alyce’s family would like to extend thanks to the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital, Complete Care of Maple Grove, Hattie’s Glen of Waunakee and Agrace Hospice.

You can go home now mom, finally. Leave a light on for us until we’re together again.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420