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Obituary for Kay Garbers


Kay F. Garbers, 69, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday evening, September 23, 2023, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse.

She was born March 8, 1954 in Decorah, Iowa, to Jerome and Luella (Schmitt) Elsbernd. On November 20, 1976 she married Edwin Garbers. Together they owned and operated Ed’s Service Center in La Crosse for 40 years. Ed preceded Kay in death on March 7, 2020.

Survivors include two sons, Joseph of Chaseburg, Wis., and William (Jennifer) of La Crescent, Minn.; siblings, Steven (Patty )Elsbernd, Joan Mc Intire, Nancy (Donnie) Brincks, Alan (Susan) Elsbernd, Darrel (Terri) Elsbernd, and Debra (Dean) Beckman; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to her husband, Kay was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be from 1 pm until 4 pm, Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Woodruff Chapel), 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse. Online condolences may be offered at this website.