Barbara L. Jarrett

Barbara L. (Klemp) Jarrett, 80, of Stoddard, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her home. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer and the side effects of her cancer treatment.

Barb was born on April 22, 1946, to Herbert and Leone (Gamroth) Klemp in Portage, Wisconsin. Barb was the 2nd of 3 children and spent her childhood growing up in Portage surrounded by an extended family of many cousins. Barb graduated from Portage High School in 1964, and the family moved to La Crosse in 1966. Barb married Jeff Eckland and they had two daughters, Nicole Severson and Sara Eckland. They later divorced. Barb married James Jarrett in 1984 and they were happily married for 42 years. They had two sons, Dustin and Michael Jarrett.

Barb will always be remembered for her love and dedication to her family and friends, her love for all things Christmas, and her willingness to share her opinion on any topic. She showed her love through acts of service and showed up for anyone who needed her. She loved to cook and bake, and holidays for her family will never be the same without her amazing meals. She also had a great love for the music of Elvis, which was a family tradition for several generations.

Barb is survived by her husband, James Jarrett; daughters Nicole Severson and Sara Eckland; son Michael (Sabrina) Jarrett; stepson Troy (Lisa) Jarrett; sister Ruth Elver; grandchildren Natalie Sellnau, Kyle Eckland, Aubrey Eckland, Alex Fitzpatrick, Lucian Severson, Dawson Jarrett, and Zurick Jarrett; step grandchildren Tyler (Patricia) Jarrett, Hunter (DreamSon) Jarrett, Triston Jarrett, Josh (Jocelyn) Flahaut, and Jena (Ian) Fox; and 2 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her son Dustin; her grandson Gabriel Eckland; her brother Charles “Butch” Klemp, her in laws Robert and Margaret Jarrett; and two brothers in law.

The family wishes to thank Barb’s oncology team at Emplify Health, Dr. Manz and Dr. Harmon, for the great care and compassion they showed her during the years of her cancer battle. The family also wishes to thank the amazing Emplify Health hospice team, as their compassionate support ensured that the family could care for Barb at home during her final days as she wished.

Barb’s service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on 6th and Division in La Crosse with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time. The Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.