Luella Barsness

Madison - Luella E. (Mrs. Rolland B.) Barsness has passed away peacefully at the age of 95. The only daughter of Carl and Anna (Geske) Schumaker, was born in Edgerton, WI in 1919. A graduate of Edgerton Child Memorial High School class of 1937, Lu also attended South Baltimore General Hospital School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.
September 15, 1940, Lu and her high school sweetheart, Rollie, son of Gerhard and Alyce (Bliven) Barsness, were united in marriage at the Simpson Methodist Chapel, rural Dodgeville. Rollie's uncle Rev. George Carver presided as his wife, aunt Nelsina, played the old "pump" organ. The chapel was built in 1861; theirs was the first recorded marriage in it.
For over 21 years Lu worked as a secretary with the School-Community Recreation Department of Madison Metropolitan School District. Her dedication to the many programs, especially Children's Day Camp, earned the respect and affection of all her co-workers. They called her "Lu" or "Grandma Lu". Her extended family of "Adopted Nieces and Nephews" called her "Auntie Lu." She also worked with the Wisconsin State Journal Youth Services Empty Stocking Club with her husband Rollie. For many years she was an Oakwood Village Volunteer, sewing for residents and serving lunches in the Tea Room.
As a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church since 1950, she served the congregation in many capacities, and was one of the original members of Bethesda Circle making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and Dane County Battered Women and Children. She spent many hours cutting blocks and sewing tops for quilts. She and Rollie also volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Store on Sherman Avenue.
Lu is survived by her beloved husband of almost 75 years, Rollie; son John C. (Janine) Barsness, Bozeman, MT; daughter Linda (Phil) Parker, Lynden, WA; three grandchildren, three great-grand-children; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and only nephew Willard C. (Mary) Schumaker, Cave Creek, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Willard and sister-in-law Sue Schumaker. Interment will be in Fasset Cemetary, Edgerton; a private family ceremony is planned. The family asks any memorials be sent to AGRACE Hospice in Lu's name.
1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verse 13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434