Barbara A. (Ruegsegger) Ellingson, age 88 of Monroe passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023 at the SSM Health Monroe Hospital. She was born on July 11, 1935 in Green County, WI the daughter of Robert and Verna (Berget) Ruegsegger. Barbara attended the Jennings school and graduated from the Warren, IL High School. On August 18, 1953 she married the love of her life Duane Ellingson at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gratiot, their union resulted in five children, and he would precede her in death on October 2, 1974. Barbara worked as a waitress at the Karakahl Inn and as a CNA and hospice worker. She also worked at the Blanchardville Co-Op hardware store for 14 years and managed the Blanchardville Oil Co-Op convenience store in New Glarus for 10 years. Barbara had a deep faith and was a member of the Warren Women’s Club at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and taught catechism, a member of the Warren Ladies Legion Auxilliary, Shamrock Club, and Red Hatter. Later in life she married Robert Burke on December 18, 1993 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Barbara will be missed by all, and anyone who knew her for her hats and hearty laugh.
Barbara is survived by her children Todd (Darlene) Ellingson, Sally (Willie) Grinnell, Russell Ellingson, Sue Ann Van Den Eng, Tim (Sue) Burke, and Jody Riley, grandchildren Regina, Randi (Kris), Curtis (Sara), and Aaron, great-grandchildren Charlee, Ethan, Scarlet, Levi, Emily, Makayla, Jax, Savanna, Elijah, and Monica, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Duane and Robert, son Scott, sister Emogene Mount, and brother Russell Ruegsegger.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5695 Main St., Gratiot, WI, Rev. Peter Lee will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
A visitation will precede the funeral mass from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gratiot.
The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.
Memorials are suggested to the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
