MADISON - Lila Lee Gullixson (nee Schwarze), age 82, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at home after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on March 26, 1944, in Greenwood, Wisconsin, the daughter of Orlin and Bernice (Hintz) Schwarze.

Lila graduated with honors in 1962 from Greenwood High School, and she received her nurse’s cap in 1963 from Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire. She was united in marriage to John W. Gullixson in July 1969 in Stavanger, Norway.

Lila devoted her career to caring for others as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), first at Saint Mary’s Hospital and later at Meriter Hospital in Madison. She was also an active member of Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison.

After retiring from nursing, Lila continued her life of service by volunteering at Meriter Hospital, where she lovingly cuddled babies, and at Agrace HospiceCare, where she welcomed visitors at the reception desk. She also continued her passion for rosemaling with her group in Stoughton, creating beautiful pieces that often earned awards and recognition.

Lila was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a generous spirit and always thought of others before herself. She found joy in gardening, baking, and caring for those around her, especially by making sure everyone was well fed with delicious food. In Lila’s house, dessert was its own food group, and there was always room for one more. Above all, Lila created a beautiful and loving community of family and friends. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering care for others touched countless lives, and the many people who loved her will feel her absence deeply.

Lila is survived by her children Kirsten Ma, Kari Gullixson, Lisa Chen and Jon Gullixson; sisters Ardith Fischer and Marion Szep; in-laws Luanne Schwarze, Frank Szep, Ann Laudon and Walt Laudon; grandchildren Charlotte, Masa, Mika, Noa, Sophie and Andrew; and many relatives and friends. Lila was preceded in death by her husband John; parents Orlin and Bernice; and brothers Lynn and Vern Schwarze.

A memorial service will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026. Burial will take place beside her husband John, at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church Cemetery in Stoughton at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the friends and family members who took the time to visit Lila and share precious memories and special moments with her before her passing. Special thanks to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their support and compassionate care, as well as to Rev. Mark Bartels and Rev. Piet Van Kampen of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and Rev. Bernt Tweit, former pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and current pastor of King of Grace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn., for their devotion, prayers and comforting visits.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Public Radio, Agrace HospiceCare, Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association, Vesterheim or Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

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

Lila Gullixson

March 26, 1944 - August 09, 2026

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