Gina Louise Barton

A life well-lived,

A heart well-loved,

A soul that danced through ordinary days

And made them extraordinary.

Gina Lousie Barton, age 57, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on April 18, 2026.

She was born in Mauston, WI, in 1968 to Gene and Joan (Klabaugh) Dallman. Gina lived in Mauston, Kimberly, and Wisconsin Rapids with her family. She attended middle school in Kimberly. She went to Lincoln High School (1984-1986) in Wisconsin Rapids, where she participated in the girls’ swimming team. One of her joys in high school was visiting London with her French class. She attended UW-Eau Claire before joining the Army in 1989 as an equipment and records specialist.

Gina was a competitor, growing up the middle child with two brothers, Tim and Chuck. She enjoyed riding snowmobiles and being outside.

Gina met the love of her life, Scott Barton, in 1995 while training in the Army Reserve in Junction City, WI. Scott still remembers the moment Gina watched him struggle to open a garbage bag. Wanting to lighten the mood, he handed her his license and joked, “Here’s a photo; it lasts longer.” Gina responded playfully, “I’m trying to figure out how long it’s going to take you to open the wrong side of that bag.” It was in those small, humorous exchanges that their love connection started to grow. They were united in marriage on May 16, 1998, in Chippewa Falls, WI. They spent the next 29 years building a beautiful life side by side. One of Gina’s favorite roles was being a mother. Scott and Gina combined their family together with their children: Blair, Justin, and Kylie. Their children meant the world to her.

Anyone who knew Gina would say, “You’re the strongest person I know,” and her family witnessed her strength firsthand. But Gina also had a softer side. Her love for her dogs was endless. She treated all six like the valuable family members they were. There was never room in the bed for Scott because all the dogs surrounded Gina at night. Gina’s little Max was most likely the first to greet Gina when she went home to the Lord. Gina’s kindness she showed to strangers and her willingness to provide anything to anyone were unmatched.

The army played a significant role in Gina’s story, shaping both her and Scott’s experiences and their future together. Gina was passionate about her career in the army. Serving thirty years, Gina was last promoted to Master Sergeant in 2013. She was presented with many awards throughout her career. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal four times: 2001, 2008, 2010, and 2019. She was given the Army Commendation Medal four times and the Army Achievement Medal seven times. In 2008, Gina was presented with the service medal at the Pentagon for her excellence in military maintenance.

September 11, 2001, changed Gina and Scott’s lives forever. Gina held down the home front for 3 years and worked at the Area Maintenance Support Activity (AMSA 155), Eau Claire, while Scott was deployed to Fort McCoy, WI. In 2005, Gina was then placed on Active-Duty order to Fort McCoy. She worked for both the 88th and 86th Reserve Support Commands. She took a civilian job at the 88th Reserve Command, Fort McCoy, WI, as a Logistics Management Specialist (LMS). She was promoted to Supervisory Specialist who managed 6 LMS’s that oversaw Log and Maintenance in the 88th RD in a 19-state region. In 2019, Gina was part of a team that helped the 88th Readiness Division win a gold medal from the Army Community of Excellence at the U.S. Army National Guard Bureau headquarters in Arlington, Va. In 2024, Gina retired from a career she loved due to her illness.

Gina enjoyed traveling to new places and eating different foods. She was the best at remodeling their homes. She enjoyed camping and going to the races with her parents. Canoe trips, music festivals, shopping, and Packer and Brewer games were a must each year. Most of all, spending time with children and grandchildren. These moments are treasured memories that family and friends will hold close to their hearts forever.

Cancer came into their lives in 2023; It stole time from Gina and her loved ones, but it will never steal the love they shared. To the moon and back.

Gina was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Irene Dallman, and James and Marjorie Klabough; her father- and mother-in-law, Rex and Karen Barton; and numerous aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Scott, stepdaughter, Blair (Ryan) Mueller, grandchildren, Isla, Oliver, and Elliot; son, Justin Barton, and daughter, Kylie (Michael) Cabral Cadena. Parents Gene and Joan Dallman; brothers Charles (Jen) Dallman and Timothy (Jean) Dallman; brothers-in-law Lee (Janine) Barton, Kim (Tracy) Barton, and sisters-in-law Roxanne (Chuck) Raykovich and Kelly (Andrew) Schmidt; pets Barley, Rye, and Hopps; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and wonderful friends.

Celebration of Life with full military honors will be Monday, May 18, 2026, at the American Legion Hall in Sparta, WI, with a visitation starting at 1 p.m., with services to follow. A luncheon will be provided. There will also be a private ceremony at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Times will be announced at the service.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.