Obituary
Barbara Sue Walsh
Barbara Sue (Blankenship) Walsh, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on January 21, 2021. She had been lovingly cared for at home by her family. She was born in La Crosse on January 7, 1934 to Jim and Agnes Blankenship.
Barb proudly called herself a ‘North sider,’ graduating from Logan High School in 1951. She played clarinet in the band and hung out with friends at her beloved Sweet Shop and Maidrite Cafe. She attended (what is now) WTC and started working at Trane Co. Barb spent many nights dancing at the Avalon Ballroom. She met her future husband Jim at a house party and they married on October 20, 1956 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral.
Barb filled her life with raising six children and their many activities. She lovingly sewed most of their clothes, baked countless Spritz cookies, and took joy in playing pranks on all members of the family (think Shamrocks growing from a roof toilet for her Irish husband, or love notes left inside her children’s sandwiches). Barb also enjoyed bowling, woodworking, and playing cards.
She returned to work at Trane Co., then Audio Visual Services, retiring in 1997. During those years, she golfed in a ladies league and returned to knitting that placed Christmas stockings on mantles across the U.S., as well as sweaters and baby layettes. All true works of art.
As her 10 grandchildren were born, she was happiest attending their music performances, dance recitals, and athletic events. She especially looked forward to Wisconsin Badger basketball games.
She is survived by her children Karen Walsh-Ritter (Mark Ritter), Kevin (Joanne) Walsh of Puyallup, WA, Neal (Carol) Walsh of Eleva, WI, Christopher Walsh, Erin (Mike) Grosch; grandchildren Kyle (Samantha) Walsh, Quinn Walsh, Thomas Ritter, Nolan Ritter (Katie Kachel), Isabel Walsh, Ian Grosch, Garrett Grosch, Connor Grosch, Torie Grosch, Sophie Grosch; great grandchild Cecelia Walsh. She is further survived by her brother Milt (Judy) Blankenship, sister-in-law Virginia Walsh, and daughter-in-law Dori Walsh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, and her son Brian.
The family extends special thank you to Dr. David Mormont, Dr. David Marinier, Lisa Gundersen-PA., and the Gundersen Lutheran Oncology and Hospice staff. A special thank you to Sister Kathy Stuttgen of Mary Mother of the Church Parish.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: The American Juvenile Diabetes Association, Gundersen Lutheran Foundation–Oncology Fund, or a charity of your choice.
Services will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Mary Mother of the Church with Father Konopa. A visitation will be held at 9:30am, followed by a Mass at 10:30am. All health and safety precautions will be followed. A live stream of the Mass will be viewable at http://www.mmoclacrosse.org
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. As you go through this difficult time, keep sharing all her wonderful memories to help give you peace. My thoughts are with you.
This tribute is so touching….sending love to you all ❤
Sending love to you all at this difficult time
Rob and Diane Reinhart
I am sorry to read of Barb’s passing. She and my late father-in-law Ed Semb worked together at Trane Company, and Ed spoke so highly of Barb. I don’t remember the specifics but Ed told of a time Barb tipped over in her chair and how they laughed hysterically, then she jumped right up and got right back to work. I’m sure Barb and Ed have had a few laughs together in recent days. Barb passed away on Ed’s birthday, I’m sure they have had a conversation about that! Condolences to the family in the loss of a very special lady.
Thank you for sharing a fun memory. Especially nice to hear a new story. Mom had high regards for Ed, so their feeling were mutual. She had high energy and enjoyed her coworkers wherever she went.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barbara was an amazing lady with so much energy and life. She will be dearly missed…
Deepest Sympathy and Sincere Condolences to Chris and the entire Walsh Family, may your Mom rest in peace.
May all your lovely memories console you during this difficult time. A piece of her lives on in all the lives she touched. Our prayers reach out to the Walsh family and all her friends.