Barbara Rose Graw

Barbara Rose (Jenks) Graw, age 84 of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away from complications of cerebral amyloid angiopathy on Friday, June 27th, 2025 supported by her loving husband Richard “Dick” Graw.

Barbara Rose Jenks was born on May 8th, 1941 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Fred and Evelyn Jenks. Barb was the third daughter following Phyllis and Loralie (Lorie). Barb was raised a north side girl at 306 Rose Street and was highly social in junior high and at Logan Senior High School. Her vibrant personality emerged during these years and only grew over time.

Barb met Dick in 1964. They were married at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on August 27th, 1966. Through their busy life of travel and work, Barb and Dick prioritized family and connections. Barb was the ultimate caregiver and showed her love to her sisters, parents, and later her children and nieces and nephews. After a long wait and many challenges, they were overjoyed to welcome Kara Allison in 1974 and Christopher Michael in 1978.

Barb was the first person in her family to receive a Bachelor’s Degree. She attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. She began her teaching career in Racine, Wisconsin working alongside fellow classmates and made many strong bonds there. In New York, Barb taught at Corning Community College where she loved to teach dance. After moving back to La Crosse, Barb found that one of her favorite teaching positions was working with unwed mothers, and the support she provided had lasting effects in the community.

Barb was a caregiver. She showered her family and friends with time, food, and attention. She was known by everyone to be the most relied upon person in the family. She knew just what everyone needed and consistently gave it without any regard for herself. She loved flowers and grew them easily. Like her mother Evelyn, she showed her love with food; whether you wanted it or not. She entered every room with a smile and loved bringing people together.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Evelyn Jenks, her sister Lorie Miles, her father-in-law Al Graw, her mother-in-law Gladys Graw, and her brother-in-law Paul Graw. Barb is survived by her loving husband, Dick; her two beautiful children Kara (Chip) GrawOzburn and Christopher Graw; her beloved grandchildren from her daughter Kara: Darby and August; and her well-loved nieces and nephews: from her sister Phyllis: Michael and Jane; from her sister Lorie: Phil, Paul, Dan, and Roxanne; and her brother-in-law Don Graw.

There will be an informal celebration of Barb's life on Wednesday, July 16th from 3-7pm at Celebrations on the River, 2100 Dawson Ave #400, LaCrosse, WI.

Barb’s kindness touched everyone who knew her and her legacy of love lives on in all of us.