Professor Philip Ray Brereton

BRERETON, PHILIP R., PhD. LODI- Professor Philip Ray Brereton, age 77, Lodi passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born December 5, 1935 in Poynette to Ray A. and Marjorie (Goddard) Brereton. He attended school in the Lodi School system and graduated from high school as the class of 1953 salutorian. His college education was started at the University of Wisconsin having received a Regents Scholarship. In 1955 he lettered in Varsity Pistol Shooting. He transferred to Platteville State Teachers college in 1957. His bachelor’s degree was a major in industrial education with a minor in speech in 1958. His career started as a full time substitute teacher in the Milwaukee School district. In September of 1958 he joined the Wonewoc school district as a teacher of industrial arts and driver’s education. These were new programs for the school district and Dr. Brereton created the curriculum for both and a new shop facility. In 1961 he became a graduate student at UW Madison majoring in occupational safety. After completing his Masters in 1962 he went to work for Employer’s Insurance of Wausau in the Department of Safety and Health services. He was responsible for staff training and safety research. He travelled throughout the country conducting seminars and training sessions for staff and policy holders In 1967 he became a Professor of Business and Management at UW Madison. While there, an opportunity presented itself to enter the graduate school program. He received a major in adult education and a minor in business management in 1974. Dr. Brereton went to Normal, Illinois, as the director of Executive Professional Development at Illinois State University. He initiated a new program that by 1980 had grown to the point that served over 2500 managers and professionals and involved over 20 instructors. In 1980 he returned to the private sector. In 1982 he took his experience and expertise and returned to Wisconsin to the family farm to establish his own consulting service. Dr. Brereton has served as a training consultant to a variety of nationally known companies including General Mills, Hanna Mining Co., Union Carbide, and the Goodyear Corporation. In addition, he has served as a leader in credit union management conferences in the states of Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, Nevada and Iowa. He has also served as a training consultant to social service agencies and health care institutes. He returned to academia in 1985 as a Professor of Business and Management at Edgewood College while still keeping his consulting business. He retired from both academia and private consulting in 2005. He is survived by his wife Charlaine P. (Bartholomew} Brereton whom he married in 1959 at the Lodi Methodist Church. In addition he is survived by his sons Richard (Lynda Frey) and David (Kristi Sickler) Brereton; four grandchildren, Kayla Brereton of Atlanta and Jared Brereton of McFarland, Katherine and Raymond Brereton of Lodi. He is also survived by several cousins and many friends. He was a member of the Lodi Rotary and the Lodi United Methodist Church. He was a long time shooter and sportsman spending twenty years teaching hunter’s safety. He also won several awards in trapshooting. Phil’s stories and sage advice have been treasured by many and will be missed. Funeral services will be held at the LODI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 Locust St., Lodi, Friday, November 1, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will be held at HAMRE GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be on Friday, November 1, 2013 from Noon until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lodi Women’s Library, Lodi United Methodist Church, Lodi Valley Historical Society or the Lodi Rotary Club. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Hamre Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main St., Lodi 608-592-3201