Barbara S Arneson

STOUGHTON - Barbara Sue Arneson, age 66, of Stoughton, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on July 23, 1959, in Stoughton, the daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Skolas) Hanson.

Barb graduated from Stoughton High School. She married Jeffrey Arneson at Covenant Lutheran Church in Stoughton, on October 7, 1978, in a ceremony held at 2 p.m.

Barb dedicated her life to caring for others. A nurturing and devoted mother, she found great joy in providing childcare from her home, where countless children benefited from her kindness and loving nature. She always put the needs of others before her own and was known for her generous heart and unwavering support of family and friends.

Barb loved spending time in the kitchen, where she became known for her delicious home cooking, especially her lasagna and desserts. She was also an avid gardener who took great pride in her vegetable gardens and enjoyed canning food throughout her life.

In her free time, Barb enjoyed playing Candy Crush and proudly reached level 200,000. She loved camping with her family at their seasonal campsite in Nekoosa, where she could often be found relaxing by the campfire, regardless of how warm the weather was. Music was a big part of Barb’s life. She loved songs with a story and meaning but would dance to polka music when she had the chance. Barb also enjoyed thrift shopping and especially cherished taking her two oldest granddaughters along on her treasure-hunting adventures.

Family was at the center of Barb's life. She was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. “I love you to the moon and back” was a special saying they shared. They brought her immense joy and held a special place in her heart. Barb also valued staying connected with friends and loved ones and enjoyed long conversations on the phone. She will be remembered for her caring spirit, selflessness, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her.

Barb is survived by her husband, Jeffrey; children, Dan Arneson and Ashley (Chris) Huggett; granddaughters, Hailey Arneson, Aubrey Arneson and Avery Huggett; grandson, Randy Arneson; brothers, Phil Hanson, and Larry (Annette) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Vicki Hanson and Linda Hanson; nieces, Lori Moses, Faun Moses-Lee, Kara Cobbins and her family and Diana Lauretic; nephews, Shaun Moses and Michael Hanson; and cousins, Cathy and Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Charlotte; and brothers, Rodney Hanson and Jim Hanson.

A memorial service will be held at WEST KOSHKONONG LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1911 Koshkonong Road, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the Rev. Erik Bakken presiding. A graveside service will follow at West Koshkonong Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
 

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420