Barbara Tantillo
November 20, 1935 - March 21, 2026
Obituary
MADISON - Barbara Jean Tantillo, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Heritage Monona. She was born on November 20, 1935, in La Crosse, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Janner) Rybarczyk.
Barbara grew up on a farm and graduated from Cashton High School in 1953. She spent 50 years working for American Family Insurance, where she retired in 2006. While at American Family, Barb had a special security guard, Curt Curtis, watching over her.
A devoted member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Madison since 1986, Barbara was deeply involved in parish life, including the St. Bernard’s Holiday Bazaar. She also enjoyed hosting large garage sales at her home and sharing her warm, welcoming spirit with everyone she met. Barbara loved playing cards, dancing, traveling the world, polka nights at the VFW, and especially dancing with her dear friend, Gilly. She was an active participant at the Monona Area Community Senior Center.
Barbara is survived by her son, Tony (Karen) Tantillo; sister, Carol (Jerry) Natvig; and special friends, Gilly and Marta. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gasper; parents, Joseph and Anna; sisters, Virginia Nerison, Therese Schaub and Joanne Hutschenreuter; and brothers, Bernie and Jerome Rybarczyk.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with Deacon Chris Schmelzer presiding. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420