Barbara Ann Harris, 88, passed away on March 24, 2016 at Lakeview Nursing Home in West Salem, Wis. She was born Sept. 14, 1927 in Hillsboro, Wis. to John Anthony and Florence Theresa (nee Verkuilen) Cesnik.
Barbara grew up in Hillsboro, Wis. She married Earl Harris April 13, 1948 in Madison, Wis. They later divorced. She worked for the Hillsboro and Northeastern Railroad and the Kickapoo Fertilizer Company in Hillsboro, Wis. In 1969 she moved from Hillsboro to St. Cloud, Minn., where she worked at a medical clinic. After that, she traveled across the United States working for various families as a house sitter and cook. For the past 20 years, she lived in the La Crosse and West Salem area.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John and Florence Cesnik, her brother Dr. Robert Cesnik and her sister-in-law Lorraine Cesnik.
Barbara is survived by her three children: Paul (Rita) Harris of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Peter (Peggy) Harris of Loveland, Colorado and Mary (Glenn) Barrowman of Florissant, Colorado. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Julie Haak, Brian Harris, Mark Harris, Angela Mills, Luke Harris, Matt Harris, Kristi Olson and Karmen Arnette and 14 great-grandchildren and other relatives.
The family wishes to extend to the staff at Lakeview Nursing Home a deep heart felt thank you for the care and friendship extended to Barbara during her time at Lakeview Nursing Home. The compassion, time and understanding in taking care of Barbara will not be forgotten.
No visitation or memorial services are planned and burial will be at a later date. The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting the family. For online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com