Barbara A. Swertfeger

Barbara Ann (Hickisch) Swertfeger, 88, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

Barbara was a wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, candy connoisseur, event planner, stand-up comedian, faithful Christian – and the best hugger ever. Her laugh was infectious, her loyalty was unquestionable, and her smile was warm and bright like the sun.

Barbara was born in La Crosse, WI on December 27th, 1932, and graduated from Central High School. Following her graduation, she met her future husband, Ken Swertfeger – on a blind date and eventually moved to Utah where their family grew. Barb and Ken travelled the world and welcomed grandchildren – who she loved immensely. Following the death of her husband in 1999 – Barb moved back to La Crosse to be with her second family – who provided her with laughter, companionship – and lunch dates every Wednesday. Barbara was fiercely independent, energetic, and constantly on the go.

She was preceded in death by parents, Hugo and Nora Hickisch, brother, Hugo Hickisch Jr., nephew James Hickisch, great-nephew, James Hickisch Jr., and sister-in-law Amelia Cassidy.

She is survived by sons Paul, Steven (Sharee) and Jeffry (Suzanne), and grandchildren Collin, Caitlin (Jack) and Connor; and further survived by niece Nora (Bob) and children Nathan and Rachel (Tim), Patricia (Rich) and daughter Andrea (Tommy), great-nephew Bobby (Celia) Hickisch, dear friend Chuck Gribble, cousin Karen Moe; and her second family, the Cassidys: Bob (Karen), Kathy (Tom), Patrick (Kathleen), Tom (Ellie), Mary (Rick), Barb( Dan), Ann (Joe) and their children.

A celebration of her life will be held on December 27, 2021, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse, with visitation from noon-1pm, followed by a short service and lunch at one of her favorite restaurants.

In lieu of flowers, Barb requested that donations be made to the LaCrescent Animal Rescue.