Barbara A. Dillon-Schaettle

Barbara Ann Dillon-Schaettle, 87, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Eagle Crest North in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Barbara was born September 8, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Walter J. and Agatha M. Dillon.

Barbara was educated at St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago, graduating in 1949, and at Loyola University in Chicago, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked in several Chicago hospitals and was involved in establishing intensive care units (ICU’s). In 1966, Barbara enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in the 928th Airlift Group at O’Hare International Airport. She retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1986 with the rank of Colonel. She left Chicago and retired at Fearrington Village, NC.

Barbara married Peter F. Schaettle of La Crosse on May 1, 1993. They lived in Onalaska, WI for the last 25 years. Barbara loved all animals, but especially cats, of which she had many throughout her lifetime, giving them good Irish names.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father and mother, her brothers Francis J. Dillon and James R. Dillon, her sisters-in-law Nanette Salsbury Dillon and Helen McSharry Dillon, and her nephew James M. Dillon. She is survived by her husband Peter, 4 step-children, 12 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great great nieces and nephews.

Services for Barbara will be held on Wednesday, August 28th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30 am, funeral mass to begin at 10:30 am, followed by lunch at the church and then graveside service at Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army of La Crosse, Coulee Region Humane Society, or a charity of donor’s choice.