Barb (Bjergum) Pettygrove, age 71, of Gays Mills, formerly of La Crosse, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Soldiers Grove Health Services. She was born in La Crosse, Wis. to the late Erlin and Margaret (Heffner) Bjergum. Barb graduated from Central High School in 1968, and afterwards, she moved to Denver, Colorado.

She moved back to La Crosse, Wis. after a few years of living in Denver and in January of 1972, Barb married Clyde Pettygrove in La Crosse. Barb and Clyde enjoyed spending time together which included fishing and visiting with everyone and anyone. While they lived together in La Crosse, Barb worked for the La Crosse Taxi Cab Company as a dispatcher, which she enjoyed immensely.

Barb and Clyde then decided to purchase a trailer house in Genoa, Wis. where they would live until Clyde passed away. After Barb lost Clyde, she decided to move to Gays Mills, where she purchased a home and lived in her house until she needed extra care. After Clyde had passed, Barb had Clyde buried in Gays Mills so they could still be close together.

Barb enjoyed crafts and was great at what she made. Her crafts were anything from painting to crocheting to needle point to embroidery and many other crafts. She enjoyed being around positive and influential people that made her happy and enjoy life. Barb was a green thumb, enjoying her time in the gardens planting beautiful flowers, especially since she could spend time outdoors. She also loved spending time camping, which meant she could be one with nature. Barb enjoyed spending time with her cats, before she moved into the nursing home. She especially appreciated when the staff at the nursing home would bring in their pets, which she loved.

Barb is survived by her sisters: Geri Bjergum, Linda Odya, Colleen (Larry) Cartwright, and Dawn Ortez; her step-daughter, Angie; three step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by both her parents; her husband, Clyde; her sisters, Ann (Rich) Samland and Lucy (Gary) Graw; two step-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Ken Odya; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Barb’s family would like to thank Soldiers Grove Health Services for the wonderful care that they provided Barb and all the wonderful staff members for being so kind and caring.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are appreciated.

A public graveside service was held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gays Mills Cemetery with Pastor Carrie Anderson officiating.

Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills served Barb's family.