Becky Watkowski

Becky Fae Watkowski ne: Schossow ne: Hackbarth (69) of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Gundersen Health Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, following complications after a planned surgery. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Friend. Becky was born on April 29, 1956, to Arden and Joan Hackbarth of Ridgeway, MN. She was the First Female Deputy and the First Female Investigator in Winona County and later retired after 28 years of service. Becky is survived by son, Chad Schossow (Kari); Daughter, Nicollet Schossow; and Son, Samuel Watkowski (Kendra) all of Winona, MN; Sister, Jean Halvorson (Steve) of Houston, MN; Brother, Robert “Bud” Hackbarth (Kim) of Utica, MN; and Brother, Todd “Charlie” Hackbarth (Tami) of Utica, MN; Grandchildren, Peyton Schossow (Emily), Dayne Schossow (Makena), Cole Schossow, (Maddie), Drake Schossow, Brynn Schossow, Chase Schossow, Rylee Watkowski, Rylen Watkowski, Rynlee Watkowski, Ryker Watkowski, Garrett Mahalla (Alyssa), Erica Madland, Jarin Hanson, Dylan Madland (Alissa); Great Granddaughter, Maisie Mahalla; Special Friend, Kevin Wirtz; Dani, her faithful canine companion; and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Preceded in death by Arden and Joan Hackbarth. 

Becky was an avid gardener, motorcycle enthusiast, loved everything outdoors, and was tough as nails. She will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and her Grammyism’s: Pull up your bootstraps; you got this! Heavens to Betsy, Toots, Babes, Beat the Band, Hell bent for election, loving you to the moon and back, Oh My God Charlie, there’s always bumps in the road. 

Special thanks to the ICU and Surgical staff at Gundersen Health Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, who were a great support throughout. 

A visitation will be held at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona, MN, on Friday, December 19, 2025, 4pm – 7pm and a funeral service at Cedar Valley Lutheran Church in Winona, MN, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10am with visitation beginning at 9am followed by an interment at 11am At Bush Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at Witoka Tavern, Witoka, MN.

Hoff Celebration of Life center is assisting the family.