Sarah E. Gudgeon

Sarah Ellen Gudgeon, age 71, of rural Viroqua, went to be with our Lord on Monday, December 26th, 2022, after a short but brave battle with cancer. 

She was born to Arnott and Doris (Muller) Widstrand on November 21, 1951.

She graduated from La Farge High School in 1969. She married Phillip Gudgeon on August 19, 1972. They celebrated fifty years of marriage this summer. Before marriage, Phil and Sarah were prom king and queen in spring of 1967. They also marched together in the Parade of Roses on January 1, 1970, in Pasadena, California with the UW La Crosse marching band.

She enjoyed her teaching career wholeheartedly, working in La Farge, Liberty Pole, and Viroqua. She was also active in the La Farge United Methodist Church and volunteered teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and Wednesday night youth group. She played in handbell choir and was active in Two Ridges Homemakers.

Sarah was a wonderful cook and baker. She worked the dairy farm alongside Phil for 25 years and was a proud farm wife. She and Phil also made maple syrup under the brand name Kickapoo Gold until 2019. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip; daughter, Kathryn (Brendon) Conway of Kodiak, Alaska; son, Pete (Jamie) Gudgeon of rural La Farge; grandson, Jack Conway; brothers, Simon (Tere) Widstrand and Chris (Cindy) Widstrand; sisters: Tonra Degner, Margie (Bill) Frankenberger, Hulda (Allan) Beilke, Bridget (Tim) Hill, and Rosalie Widstrand; brother-in law, Fritz (Barb) Gudgeon; sister-in-law, Dee (Steve) Olson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnott & Doris Widstrand; parents-in-law, Fred & Alene Gudgeon; and brother-in-law, Carl Degner.

A celebration of life will be held at the La Farge Community Center on Thursday, December 29, from 4 to 7pm; funeral services will be held at the La Farge United Methodist Church on Friday, December 30th, at noon followed by a light luncheon.  Visitation at the Church will be from 11am to noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the La Farge United Methodist Church or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

The Roth Family Cremation Center is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah E. Gudgeon, please visit our floral store.