Eileen Bertha Paggi

Eileen Bertha Paggi, La Crosse, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023, in her home with her loving family by her side.  She was born on October 15, 1928, to William and Alma Schroeder in DeSoto, Wisconsin.  She was baptized and confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church, Eitzen, Minnesota.

At the young age of 16, she had her first date with John (Jack) E. Paggi, a handsome 22 year old WWII veteran from Victory, Wisconsin.  They fell in love and were married on April 4, 1948, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Stoddard, Wisconsin. They were blessed with six children who were baptized, confirmed and guided through faithful worship and education to know their Lord and Savior. They enjoyed 69 loving years together with many wonderful memories.

She always looked forward to family visits which brought her so much joy.  Each day she watched family pictures on her Skylight frame with a smile on her face.  She loved road trips, time at the family cottage, playing cards and bunco.  Even in her 90’s, she still loved shopping, collecting things (especially cardinals), decorating, and flower arranging for her home or outdoors. Her family and friends especially loved her homemade sugar cookies and fudge.

Her family is very proud of who she was and how she lived her life.  They feel so very blessed to have had her in their lives until the age of 94.  She will be greatly missed, but thankfully they have so many wonderful memories of time with her.

She is survived by her six children: Jackie Meyer, Cindy (Ron) Peterson, Mike (Mary) Paggi, Mary (Eric) Artschwager, Carol Paggi, and Jeff Paggi. She is also survived by her family of 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and 19 step-great grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by her sister, Neva Fiege, whom she spoke with daily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; a stillborn infant; grandson, Karl Artschwager; son-in-law, Don Meyer; brother, Merlin Schroeder; three brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.

The family expresses much appreciation to Carol for her weekends with our parents. This assistance along with other frequent family visits allowed our Mother to remain in her home the past six years. The family would like to thank the Hospice staff of Gundersen Health System, especially the support of Michelle, RN, as the family cared for Eileen at home. Special thanks to Jim and Donna Pangier for years of friendship with our parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 West Ave. South., La Crosse. Pastor Richard Pamperin will officiate. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the service at the church. A reception with lunch will be served in the church basement after the service. Burial will be at the Victory Cemetery, Victory, WI at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Luther High School Music Dept. or First Ev. Lutheran “First Light” early learning center. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.  John 11: 25-26