Willine B. Svendsen

Willine B. Svendsen, 88, was called to her heavenly home on January 24, 2026, at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, WI. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after battling Alzheimer’s.

Willine was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1938, to Sylvester and Helen (Wilowich) Jaragoski. Known as a "pistol" who was equally loyal and compassionate, Willine was a natural caregiver. She began her professional life as a skilled beautician at a local salon before continuing her trade at home for friends and family. She worked as an inspector for Medical Products Company and later joined Snap-On Tools in Milwaukee, where she worked until her retirement in 2003. Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to others, caring for her father and a close neighbor in their later years.

In 1957, Willine met the love of her life, Vernon. They married on July 18, 1959, and literally built their life and home together from the ground up in Racine. Willine loved camping, golfing, sewing, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, and dancing. She and Vern continued to spend their retirement traveling in their motor home to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, enjoying local views at the Wind Point Lighthouse and being the biggest fans at their grandchildren’s sporting events.

Willine embraced her role as "Nana" with pride—whether it was a morning donut run with her grandson, still in his pajamas, or attending musicals with her granddaughter. She was famous for her "squeeze parties", "Happy Tuesday" celebrations, and dancing a polka. In 2020, they moved to Onalaska to be closer to family.

Willine is survived by her children, Annie (Garry) Ammons and Jimmy (Lori) Svendsen; grandchildren, Ryan (Katlin) Svendsen and Erin Svendsen; great-grandson, Mason Svendsen; sister, Beverly Mutcher and is further survived by many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Vernon; her parents, Sylvester and Helen (Wilowich) Jaragoski; brother, Jerry Jaragoski; and parents-in-law, Marius and Marie (Gregersen) Svendsen; as well as many beloved brother and sister-in-laws.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21st, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services (907 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska). Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz will officiate, with a light luncheon to follow.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Mark Beahm and his Care Team, St. Croix Hospice and Lakeview Health Center for their exceptional and unwavering care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Lakeview Health Center (West Salem) and St. Croix Hospice (La Crosse).