Kay M.J. Swiggum

On Tuesday, August 11, Kay Marie June Swiggum passed away at home in Viroqua, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Viroqua on January 20, 1950, the first child of Kenneth and Mae Jacobson. She was raised in Coon Valley and graduated in 1968 from Westby High School.

Kay married Isaac Tollackson in 1973, with whom she had three daughters. They later divorced.

Kay graduated from WTC with an Associate’s degree in Marketing/Retailing in 1988 and began her career at the Foxxy Shopper. She later worked for the Cashton Record, where she enjoyed being an advertising salesperson for nearly 20 years. Kay was also a proud co-founder of the Viroqua Flea Market.

Kay married Kim Fossum in 1991, and they were married until his death in 2011.

In 2016, Kay married Wayne “Buster” Swiggum. They remained happily married until her death.

Kay enjoyed spending time with her husband and family, thrift-store shopping, collecting jewelry and purses, reading, and visiting casinos. Kay will be remembered for her sense of humor and love of people.

Kay will be dearly missed by her husband Wayne; three children, Kamille (Jeffrey) Tilson of La Crosse, Kelli Schultz of Viroqua, and Stacey (Christopher) Chen of Fort Lauderdale; mother, Mae Jacobson of Westby; two sisters, Mavis (Dave) Campton of Viroqua and Tamara Jacobson of Westby; five beautiful grandchildren, Amanda (John) Brennan, Kyle and Kalia Schultz, Macy Tilson, and Isla Chen; stepchildren Shelly (Todd) Holen, Ashley Swiggum, and Brian Swiggum; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Jacobson; sister, Beverly Miller; and nephew, Todd Miller.

Kay’s family would like to thank the many friends and family members who came to visit during Kay’s illness bearing kind words and sweets, especially Don Lee. A special thank you to Vernon Memorial Hospice.

A private family service was held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of donor’s choice.