Lucille Rose Bagniewski

Lucille Rose Bagniewski, age 90, of Fountain City, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. She was born on July 19, 1927 in Alma, WI, to Leonard and Mamie (Haase) Larson. Lucille attended school in Iron Creek, walking 3 miles each way to get to school; and then went on to St. Boniface School where she graduated from 8th grade with honors. At that time Lucille was needed at home to help on the farm and help with the family, so was unable to complete high school. Lucille loved school and was a bright young woman, and it disappointed her to not graduate. With her strong desire, and encouragement from Eugene and her family, she obtained her GED Diploma in 1980, having a family graduation party! She was very proud of this accomplishment. In addition to being a housewife, and helping with farming, Lucille worked in the kitchen at the C-FC Schools. When Kmart opened in Winona, MN, she applied for and got a job working there part-time and continued to enjoy it and work there for 20 years, retiring from Kmart when she was 70. On May 1st, 1946, she married Eugene Bagniewski, Sr., at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee, WI. Lucille and Eugene were very proud to have celebrated 70 years of marriage on May 1, 2016. Eugene preceded her in death on May 4, 2016. Lucille was a very special, beautiful and smart woman, she loved to meet people and be around people. Her love of learning and trying new things led to many activties, even learning to use a computer in her 70's and typing her life story. Lucille was always active growing up, loving to go skiing, rollerskating, and bowling. She was a fabulous cook and baker, and amazing at sewing clothes. She even sewed a beautiful wedding dress, miniature brides dresses and bridesmaids dresses for her family. She was an avid crocheter and made many afghans and other items for her family. Lucille lived life to the fullest her whole life, never missing an event or family party, having gone to Treasure Island just 3 weeks ago playing Bingo and her lucky Red, White and Blue 7's slot machines. Her quick wit and her ability to remember details and events was so valuable and was a great help to all family members and will be greatly missed. Lucille loved her family very much and always wanted to help, but as her body was wearing out and she needed more help to get out, she felt much gratitude and love for her children and grandchildren for the love, support and help they provided her. Lucille also welcomed into her life some wonderful caregivers during her life journey. They quickly became friends and she loved them dearly and we thank them for their help with mom. Lucille was very active in church affairs. Lucille was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church Altar Society since 1955, serving as President for 2 terms. She taught CCD class for 13 years, teaching the 2nd grade class and guiding them through their first communion and first confession. Lucille's love of reading lead her to be the first female to be a lector at St. Mary's Church, which she continued for over 17 years! She was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Lucille was also active in Farm Bureau, being named Mrs. Farm Bureau and Woman of the Year. She was secretary of the CFC Alumni Association and a long time member of the Buffalo County Homemakers. Lucille loved people and visiting with friends, and had a group of friends that she played Rummy Royal with for over 20 years, and these same best friends were bingo buddies! Bingo was such an enjoyment for Lucille. Lucille and Eugene did much traveling, with one of their fondest memories being their three week trip to Europe to visit their youngest daughter and her family. They took many vacations including many bus trips traveling to almost every state. Many of their trips were centered around where the casinos were located. Lucille is lovingly survived by her children Eugene (Diane Kupietz); Richard (Shelley Scott); Jeff (Pamela Cox); Deb (Rob) Merchlewitz; Karen (Chris) Ellis; Mary Jo (Ken) Kottmann; daughter-in-law Edith Bagniewski; 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild soon to be. She is also survived by her sisters: Darlene (Al) Slaby and Alice Breitung; and brother, Junior (Helen) Larson; her sister's in law: Clarice Larson, Shirley Larson and Mercille Bagniewski. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Gerald; her daughter, Diane Ristau; grandsons Jason Ristau and Aaron Bagniewski; three brothers: Kenneth Larson, Marvin Larson and Duane Larson, and sister: Joyce Bensel; son-in-law Steve Sing, and grandson-in-law Joe Gillett. A Celebration of Life Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Fountain City at 11:00 a.m. Lucille will be laid to rest at the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Fountain City, beginning with a rosary and prayer service at 3:45 and continuing until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Pallbearers will be Lucille's grandsons: Shawn Bagniewski, Tom Ristau, Scott Bagniewski, Dustin Ellis, Drew Ellis, and Josh Dehnke; and honorary pallbearers are Lucille's granddaughters: Tammy Englund, Heidi Bagniewski, Peggy Davis, Cindy Bautch, Stephanie Peterson, Amanda Gillett, Shannon Ristau, Jamie Bowman, Melissa Bagniewski, Amelia Bagniewski, KathrynBagniewski, Jessica Merchlewitz, Danielle Ellis and Julia Dehnke. Lucille's family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the nurses and staff at the Winona Health Hospice for their wonderful caring team of caregivers and the excellent care that Lucille received. Your guidance and help is greatly appreciated. Talbot Family Funeral Homes-Alma Chapel is assisting the family Please share your memories or express your condolences at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.