Barbara Lee Gebert, 84 of LaCrosse, IN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a long, heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born October 19, 1941, in LaPorte, IN, to the late Ernest and Genevieve “Jean” (Pych) Rosenkranz. Barb graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1959, and completed her nursing certificate at Gary Methodist Hospital in 1963. She made her career as a registered nurse at Porter Memorial Hospital in the labor and delivery unit until her retirement in 2007. From 2010 to 2020, “Nurse Barb” served as the school nurse at LaCrosse High School.
In her free time, Barb enjoyed going camping, taking trips to the casino, and playing Bingo. Feeding people was Barb’s love language. She somehow had the ability to simultaneously make the world’s best French toast, and an inedible version of boxed macaroni. Barb couldn’t resist a cold can of Pepsi and a bag of Cheetos. As a proud alumnus of LaCrosse High School, Barb could often be found attending games in the Tiger Den, and selling tickets to the games, for which she was paid exactly one hot dog and one can of Pepsi. She loved her family dearly, especially her great-grandchildren, Max and Greta, and Katie’s white dog. Barb will be remembered as a kind, loving, and generous woman, who will be dearly missed.
On August 8, 1992, Barb married John “Jack” Gebert, who preceded her in death in 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Jerry) Wright of LaCrosse; granddaughters: Samantha (Jason) Kaiser, and Katie Wright (and “that boy she runs with,” Colin Welsh); and great-grandchildren: Max and Greta Kaiser.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Kouts, with a memorial service beginning at 6:00 p.m., Rev. Joel Zipay officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice or St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaCrosse.
GUESTBOOK
Barb was a wonderful person who cared about others. She was a lot of fun to work with and we shared many laughs, often over something ridiculous one or the other had done. She loved her family and her students she cared for. Condolences and prayers, -from the Dick Bucher family
I worked with Barb for many years. She helped me as a new labor and delivery nurse. We had so many fun times. What a great lady. Barb will be missed. Hugs and prayers Kim, to you and your family. She sure loved you. -Nancy Mitchell Smith
