Barbara J Dickson

Barbara J. Dickson, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend, passed gracefully from us just before dawn December 7th after a two year battle with complications of heart surgery at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. We were hoping to spend Christmas with her, but the Good Lord invited her, too.She was born to Roy E. Swett (deceased) and Norma Swett (Luedke) on July 26, 1947, in La Crosse, WI. She grew up in Dakota, MN riding her horse Spot and working at her father's Mobil gas station. She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1965. She married Ray F. Dickson in 1966, had three children and worked at Gundersen Lutheran for 30 plus years.She is survived in death by her children, Jeff (and Monica) Dickson of Dakota, MN, Denise (and Matt) Schreiner of Lafayette, CA and Bruce (and Cristiane) Dickson of Alexandria, VA; four grandsons Zachary, Nicholas, Austin and Lucas Dickson; sisters Ellen (and Jody) Volkening of Onalaska, WI and Harriet (and Denny) Dennhardt of New Richmond, WI; mother Norma Swett of Onalaska, WI; and former husband Ray Dickson of Pickwick, MN.Mom had a big heart and was the most generous person we knew. She put our needs above her own and was always available when someone needed her no matter what the circumstances. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She made friends easily here and around the world and across all social borders. She had a way of making all of us feel special on our birthdays, holidays and other important occasions. She loved dancing, live music, shopping, playing practical jokes and showering us with birthday boxes full of goodies. Her sense of humor and life essence sparkled. No one was immune to the radiance of her smile which never dimmed even through tremendous suffering. She was our little blonde whirlwind and remains so very young at heart. We know that she is now flying with the angels and shining her light over all of us.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 11:00 AM at English Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Pastor Mark Solyst will officiate. Burial will be in the Hiler Cemetery, Nodine, MN. Friends may call at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King St., on Friday from 5:00 7:00 PM, and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.