On March 4^th, 1945, Barbara was born to Clarence and Dorothy Mundt in Stanley, WI. Barbara’s dad was the Superintendent of Schools in Taylor, WI while her mother was a history and high school vocal music teacher. In 1958, her mother was hired by the La Crosse Public School System, and she and her family moved to Onalaska. Barbara was a very involved student serving on the student council, playing trombone, singing in choirs and receiving a starred first at the State Solo and Ensemble contest. Barbara graduated as a salutatorian of her Class in 1963.

Throughout high school, Barbara walked home for lunch often stopping into Skogen’s IGA where she first met Dave. Seven years later, Dave and Barb were married at First Lutheran Church, Onalaska on July 17^th, 1965.

Barbara attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in Medical Technology with a minor in Chemistry. She did a one year internship at St. Francis Hospital and was hired at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in 1967. In 1976, she resigned her position at Gundersen to assist Dave with the family business, Skogen’s IGA, later known as Festival Foods.

In 1969, Dave and Barb’s son, Mark, was born and in 1971, they welcomed their daughter, Susan. Managing the family business meant Mark and Susan were involved at a very early age. Mark also began playing sports at the Boys Club which is what led to their family’s involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. Today, Barbara is also blessed with 4 grandchildren; each grandchild is the apple of her eye.  

Barbara has been very active in her community volunteering her time on various non-profit Boards. She currently serves as a member of the Viterbo University Board of Trustees and the Family and Children’s Center Board of Directors. Barbara has previously served as a Board Member on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Foundation, Gundersen Medical Foundation, Bethany Lutheran, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce serving as Chair in 2003, M&I Advisory Board, Parent Advisory Board of Onalaska High School Show Choir, Co-chair of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse Building Great Futures Capital Campaign as well as serving on numerous committees.

Because of her community involvement, Barbara has been the recipient of the La Crosse Chamber Community Service Award and also featured in the Coulee Region Women’s Living Magazine. Jointly with Dave, Barbara has received the Mayo Clinic Health System’s Sphere of Influence Award, Outstanding Philanthropist, Red Shield Community Service Award, La Crosse Education Foundation Award, Pope John XXIII Award, Rotary Club Ethics in Business Award, and has been inducted into the Onalaska High School Wall of Fame and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Athletic Wall of Fame.



Dave and Barb believe strongly in philanthropy – giving to their community to make it a better place to live and helping others to live a happy and wholesome life. Their support of the Boys and Girls Club is doing just that, and we thank them for truly making a difference in the lives of youth.