Sidney Breese "Sid" Follett Jr.

MADISON - Sidney Breese “Sid” Follett Jr., age 96, passed away on January 18, 2026, surrounded by his family. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, he devoted his life to his family, always putting others first and placing their needs before his own. Sid was a best friend and mentor to his family and friends, and all who knew him felt blessed by his charitable spirit, kindness, gentleness, and compassionate, caring heart.

Sid was born on March 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Sidney B. Follett Sr., and Hester Hanson Follett, the older brother of Robert Follett. He began his military career at age 17, and served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and in the U.S. Army Air Force for two years. He loved flying, and his deployment included flights throughout Europe. Sid was one of just a few men selected by President John F. Kennedy for a military security assignment on Texas Tower 3 Radar Station, an extremely important defense system for the United States that was designed to provide surveillance and early warning protection in the event of an attack by Cuba or the Soviets during the Cold War. He was a highly skilled master Air Force Security Morse code operator, considered among the best in the Air Force, responsible for expedient military intelligence communication. Morse code continues to be used by nations throughout the world, and Sid continued to practice Morse code at an amazing speed even into his 90s.

While stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., Sid met Ida Martinez, the love of his life. They married in New Mexico and were stationed in many different states, eventually retiring from the Air Force at Truax Field in Madison. They welcomed four children to their family: James, Susan, Jeanne and John. In November 2025, Sid and Ida's extended family gathered with them to celebrate their most recent anniversary, honoring a blessing of 76 years of marriage.

After retiring from the Air Force, Sid worked at the U.S. Post Office and for the State of Wisconsin Tax Service. He also volunteered for many programs, and as a devoted reader, who spent many hours in libraries, he especially enjoyed teaching elementary school students - and his children and grandchildren - how to read. Sid was also an avid historian of baseball, his passion and favorite sport. He tried hard never to miss a Milwaukee Brewers game, and also enjoyed cheering for the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed attending Irish events, and listening to Irish music and Scottish Highland bagpipes.

Sid's life was guided by his deep faith in God. For many years he was a lecturer at Sunday mass at St. Dennis Catholic Church, and he also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Care Center, and took the Eucharist to homebound elderly. As lifelong Catholics, Sid and Ida never missed mass on Sundays and said the Rosary daily. They lived life devoutly, with beliefs and traditions that have defined their legacy. Renowned for treating everyone with love, kindness, dignity and respect, Sid would want us all to keep trying to do the same.

Most of all, Sid cherished his time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, devoting his life to his family. He enjoyed reading and playing games, helping them with homework, attending school activities, sporting events, theater performances and museums with them all, and traveling together. Sid loved to swim in the ocean, and taught his children and grandchildren how to swim and ride bikes. He was an exceptional listener and mentor, and his home was a favorite gathering place for countless number of family celebrations and events throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, Sid was preceded in death by his son, John Follett. He is survived by his loving wife, Ida of Madison; son, James (Alice) Follett of Madison; daughters, Susan (Ken) WhiteHorse of Blue Mounds and Jeanne Follett of Sandia Park, N.M.; daughter-in-law, Sandy Follett of Phenix City, Ala.; and brother, Robert (Rose) Follett of Ashburn, Virginia. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jason (Kim Schmelzer) Follett, Jessica (Joseph) Kowalske, Clint (Kristin) WhiteHorse, AndreaMaria (Daniel) WhiteHorse Kick, Randall Follett, Roxanne (Kerry) Oldenburg and Antonio (Heather) Follett; great-grandchildren, JayLey Schmelzer, Hunter (Miranda) Kowalske, Hailey (Charles Dean) Kowalske, Lilly Kowalske, Aidan, Elena and Mikayla Kick, Brooklyn and Bailey WhiteHorse, Angel (Dalton) Turner, Olivia Badour and Benjamin Follett; great-great-grandchildren, Lily and John Dalton Turner and Rya Dean; nephew, Paul (Sheila) Follett; niece, Lisa Follett; and many other loving family members and friends.

The family would like to thank the many caring people in Madison's medical community who cared for Sid, especially in his later years, as well as longtime family friend, Deacon David Hendrickson, of St. Dennis Parish for his caring heart, kindness and compassion.

In accordance with Sid's wishes, a Private Family Service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sid's honor may be sent to the Medical Missionaries of Mary in Somerville, Mass., or to the Folds of Honor Foundation in Owasso, Okla. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420