Barb Swenson

Barbara Ann Swenson, age 76, passed away on October 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Barb was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on January 25, 1949, the daughter of Olin and Bernice Holm and sister of Keith (Tucson). The family resided for many years on South Shore Drive in Madison. Barb loved swimming and water skiing on Monona Bay and spending time with dear friends and neighbors.

After the family moved east of Madison and purchased Seminary Springs Tavern, Barb graduated from Sun Prairie High School. She married her husband, Richard “Swede” Swenson, on September 7, 1968. Dick passed away on August 23, 2008. Together they raised two children, Jessica and Jeffrey. Her pride and joy was her grandson, Jakob, who brought immense happiness to her life.

Barb was the longtime office manager for the law firm of Stern, Skiles & Ward, a job she truly loved.

A lifelong animal lover, Barb cared for many dogs and cats over the years. During high school, she even had a colt and a pig—both of which occasionally found their way into the house, much to the dismay of her mother, Bernice.

She was also a gifted artist, well-known for her beautiful rosemaling creations. Many friends and family members cherish her hand-painted pieces as reminders of her talent and generosity. Barb enjoyed rosemaling with her friends in Stoughton and swimming with the “Merry Mermaids” at the Prairie Athletic Club.

Her favorite place on earth was the family cabin in Washburn, Wisconsin, on the south shore of Lake Superior. Whether swimming at the sandy beach, fishing by the pilings at West End Park, or tackling a repair project, she loved every moment spent there.

Barb had an adventurous spirit and was always on the go. She and Dick enjoyed road trips across the country and cruises with family and friends. Her favorite was a ten-day Norwegian Fjord Cruise in July 2013—a trip she often described as “the experience of a lifetime.”

A memorial service will take place at 11AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703. A visitation will take place from 9AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg, the Dane County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice in Barb’s honor.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054