MADONNA ANN (REGO) PHILLIPPI

February 1, 1934 – January 23, 2026

With deep love and gratitude, we remember the life of Madonna Ann (Rego) Phillippi, whose warmth, curiosity, and quiet strength shaped generations.

Raised on a large family farm in Cazenovia, Wisconsin, Donna learned the value of hard work, resiliency and family. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and graduated from Cazenovia High School.

At just 17 years old, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Phillippi, at a community dance. Their love story endured time and distance as she faithfully wrote him letters while he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. They went on to share 72 amazing years of marriage, a partnership rooted in devotion, laughter, and mutual respect.

Together, she and Bob built their home in West Allis, Wisconsin, where they raised their four daughters. She went on to enjoy a successful career in data processing and stenography at JCPenney and later ACDelco (GM).

Donna was the devoted mother of Colleen (Tim) Zietlow, Diana (Rich) Gibson, Sheri Phillippi, and Susan (Rod) Kramer. She was lovingly known as “Oma” to her grandchildren: Jennifer (Bret) Bruning, Karen (Troy) Johnston, Chris Zietlow, and Michelle (Dan) Stich, and she delighted in her role as great-grandmother to Caitlyn, Paige, Owen, Quill, Lydia, Matthew, Phoebe, and Zachary.

A deeply spiritual and open-minded soul, she followed a New Age belief system and was fascinated by energy work, holistic health, metaphysics, dowsing, crystals, and essential oils. She approached life with curiosity and wonder, always seeking deeper meaning and balance.

She was a voracious reader, with books stacked in every corner of her home—on shelves, under the bed, and wherever space allowed—each one a testament to her love of learning.

Travel was another great passion of hers. She explored numerous foreign countries and took countless cross-country bus trips with Bob throughout the United States, forming friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

A visitation will be held at Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, on Saturday, April 25, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place the following day, Sunday, April 26, at Mound Cemetery in Pittsville, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Custom Canines Service Dog Academy at www.customcanines.org.