Barbara E. Sawall, age 78 of New London, passed away on Saturday evening January 29, 2022 at Froedert Hospital, Milwaukee.
Barbara Ellen Sawall was born on April 21, 1943 in Clintonville, daughter to the late William and Lulu (Schoneck) Ebert. She attended grade school at St. Martin Lutheran Church, where she also sang in the youth choir; later graduating from Clintonville High School in 1961. Barb worked for a time as a secretary at a dentist’s office in Clintonville. On November 14, 1964, Barb was united in marriage to Henry “Butch” W. Sawall at St. Martin. The couple started a family with the birth of their two daughters, Dianne and Karen. She loved her new role as wife, mother, and caretaker of the household. Eventually, Barb started working outside of the home cleaning houses for her customers, and had a full-time job cleaning at the New London golf course. Barb still worked up until recently, about a week before she had taken ill. She was a familiar face at St. Martin, where she taught Sunday school for 25 years, served on the Ladies Aid for over 45 years, and volunteered her time shepherding for shut-ins and church members in nursing homes. She had a very specific and meticulous way of cleaning, cooking, baking, and overall keeping a home; when Barb was in housekeeping mode, she took it very seriously and her family knew to stay out of her way. Her attention to detail in this regard also made her a great host. She loved entertaining friends, and having Christmas for her family. Barb lived for her grandchildren and family members, always proving to be selfless and letting her servant’s heart shine through.
Barb is survived by her husband, Henry “Butch” W. Sawall; daughter, Karen (Greg) Mehlberg, Marshfield; son-in-law, Terry Mehlberg, Eau Claire; grandchildren: Caitlin, Krystin, Kelly, Connor, and Cassie Mehlberg; sister, Elaine Mehlberg, Clintonville; brother, Kenneth (Shari) Ebert, Kankakee, IL; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Dianne; sisters: Arlene Schultz, Mary Beyer, Helen Wurl, Delores “Lori” Kroening, and Sandi Gielow; and a brother William Ebert.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Jason Zobel officiating. Interment will take place at Floral Hill Cemetery, New London at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will start on Friday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Sawall family with the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.