Eileen Virginia Fahrney

STOUGHTON - Eileen Virginia Fahrney, age 88, of Stoughton, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by family. She was born on August 5, 1937, in Madison, the daughter of Earl and Myrtle (Sveum) Powers.

Eileen graduated from Madison West High School in 1956. Her life was defined by her genuine care for others and gift for connecting with people of all ages. Throughout Eileen’s career, she served as a nursing assistant at UW Health, a school bus driver, and a resident manager of various senior living communities.

Eileen was dedicated to her family and took pride in maintaining a warm and welcoming home. She shared her unwavering love with her children, nine foster babies, and her grandchildren. She found joy in camping, dancing, bowling, baking, cake decorating, and treasured the time she spent with others. She valued time in her community and was a Girl Scout leader and an active presence in her Lutheran faith communities. Eileen celebrated her Norwegian heritage with the traditional customs of rosemaling and lefse making and even lived in Stoughton for the last three years of her life. She loved to travel near and far and visit her family and friends all over the country, including a special trip to Hawaii.

Eileen is survived by her children, Debbie (Gerry) Baer, Jim (Anita) Nolden and Kristin Ward; grandchildren, Spencer (Heather) Nolden, Joey (Lindsay) Baer, Emily Baer, Brock (Haleigh) Nolden, Ben Ward and Sam Ward; great-grandchildren, Gage Nolden and Addie and Keegan Baer; husband, Richard Fahrney’s children and families, Doug Fahrney, Deborah (Bob) Blum, Billy (Dorene) Fahrney and Tamara McIrvin; first husband, Roger Nolden; sister-in-law, Shirley Powers; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Eileen’s husband, Richard, passed away one day before her on Friday, March 13, 2026.

In addition to Richard, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Percy Usher; parents, Myrtle and Earl; brothers, Leland and Marlin Powers; sister, Beverly Powers; and niece, Judith Powers.

A celebration of life will be held at Skaalen Chapel at SKAALEN RETIREMENT SERVICES, 400 N. Morris St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the Rev. James Salimes presiding. Visitation will be held at the chapel from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Eileen’s family is extremely grateful to the staff at Skaalen and Agrace HospiceCare for the compassionate, attentive care they provided to Eileen, and to her UW Health medical staff for their many years of exceptional care and support. Many of the people at Skaalen liked to visit with Eileen and helped her with her large collection of jigsaw puzzles. Her room at Skaalen was decorated with all her favorite things and her gnome collection. She loved to participate in the many crafts, outings, and parties that were offered to the residents. A special thank you to the Skaalen staff members who have become like family to us.

Memorials may be made to Skaalen Retirement Services to support their Resident Activities Department. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590