Barbara Ann Schwieso

Barbara Ann Schwieso, a devoted and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born in Marshfield on October 26, 1945 to the late Anthony and Dorothy (Koch) Hakl. She was one of seven siblings.

She had fond memories of growing up in Marshfield and enjoyed swimming and waterskiing while vacationing near Hayward. Barbara graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in 1963. She then attended the Humboldt Institute before starting work with Northwest Airlines in Milwaukee. Barbara’s employment with the airline allowed her to travel to Hawaii and Europe on multiple occasions. She loved to travel and cherished the memories she made during this time.

Barbara was united in marriage to James Dean Schwieso on September 13, 1975, at Our Lady of Peace in Marshfield. Shortly after, they made their home in Waunakee. While raising her family was Barbara’s primary commitment, she also worked outside the home. Barbara retired from the Wisconsin State Bar Association after approximately 20 years of service.

Barbara always led an active life. She loved walking, yoga, gardening, and volunteering. She was also an incredible cook and baker. Barbara loved nature and the outdoors. She found joy in watching the hawks, hummingbirds, foxes, woodchucks, and the occasional turkeys or deer that visited her yard. She also cherished their yearly vacation to Northern Wisconsin where she would relax a bit and do a little fishing.

Barbara was an active member of St. John‘s Catholic Church (Waunakee) and enjoyed volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison and with Meals on Wheels during her retirement. She built many wonderful friendships along the way and treasured the opportunity to give back by helping others.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband James; sons, Patrick and Nicholas (Kendra); grandchildren, Gus, Annie, and Teddy; brothers, Anthony (Sandy), Thomas (Jane), and William (Julene); and sisters, Helen and Carol (Lowell).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Dorothy, and her sister, Lucille.

Barbara lived her life with grace. She will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine through the lives of those she loved.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. A viewing will be held at Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place immediately after funeral services, in the church cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Rex’s Innkeeper.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, https://www.rmhcmadison.org/ St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/, the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/, or the Carbone Cancer Center, https://cancer.wisc.edu/.

Please share your memories of Barbara here on her Tribute Wall.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513