Barbara Ann Gutzel, 70, of La Crosse, Wisconsin found eternal peace on October 15, 2011, in Hospice Care at Gundersen-Lutheran Hospital.

She was born in La Crosse on March 10, 1941 to John, Sr. and Marie (Spah) Jirsa. She married Allen L. Gutzel at English Lutheran Church on November 24, 1973.

Barb had a passion for bowling and had been a member of the 600 Club until health concerns forced her to quit. She was an avid Milwaukee Brewer fan who cheered the Brewers on regardless of the hour, day, and her health. She was active in the Ladies’ Shrine Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 52 Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Allen. She is further survived by her son, Steven Verhota and daughter-in-law, Lisa Verhota and their son, Evan and Steven’s daughter, Alexis; and her son Darren and his wife, Beth, and their children, Tyler, Dylan, and Ashlie. She is also survived by Allen’s daughters, Laurie Nicholson (Robert) and her children, Karrie and Max; and Tia (Jeffrey) Hrudka. Barb is survived by her brother, Gene (Sharon) Jirsa and sisters-in-law Betty and Marilyn Jirsa; sister-in-law, Merry Kocar, and brother-in-law Randy (Laura) Gutzel and many nieces and nephews.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, John, Sr. and Marie Jirsa, her brothers John, Jr. (Red) Jirsa, and James (Jim) Jirsa, and her parents-in-law, Donald and Gwendolyn Gutzel.

Barb’s family and friends would like to thank the staff at the Yutuc Dialysis Center and the Gundersen-Lutheran Hospice Unit for their kind and compassionate care throughout Barb’s illnesses.

Funeral services for Barb will held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 with the service beginning at 11:00 am. Pastor Duane Baardseth will officiate with interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery’s Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Women’s Shrine Auxiliary, English Lutheran Church, or a charity of one’s choice. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.couleecremation.com.