Bobbi J. Goodman

It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Bobbi J. Goodman (Showen), age 50, of La Crosse, WI, formerly of Petersburg, WI, and seemingly everywhere in between, as Bobbi never met an opportunity to travel she didn't pursue. Bobbi passed away at home following an unexpected medical event on October 19, 2026.

Bobbi was born on June 27, 1976, to Tillman and Julie (Everson) Showen in Viroqua, WI. She graduated from Central High School in 1993 and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 2000, followed by her Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2003.

Throughout her life, Bobbi held positions with various organizations, but the heart of her professional career was dedicated to serving children and families in La Crosse County. For 20 years, she worked as a Child Protective Services Social Worker, devoting herself to the well-being, safety, and advocacy of children in her community.

In recent months, Bobbi had begun dreaming of and laying the groundwork for a new chapter in her career–opening her own mental health clinic dedicated to supporting children and their families. It was a dream that reflected both her passion for helping others and her determination to make a difference in the lives of children. Although she never had the opportunity to see this dream come to life, it was one more example of her ambition, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the work she believed in.

Bobbi married Rick Goodman on a beautiful, sunny day in Hawaii on December 7, 2003. In true Bobbi fashion, she managed to be late to her own wedding after discovering that finding the ceremony location was a bit more challenging without printed directions. Never one to let a little logistical hiccup stand in her way, Bobbi eventually made it to the sandy altar, proving that even on her wedding day, she was going to do things her own way.

Together, Rick and Bobbi welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world—Tayah Jule Goodman, born on November 28, 2005, and Maci Jaymes Goodman, born on March 6, 2013.

Above all, Bobbi was immensely proud of her daughters. She celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams, and wanted nothing more than to see them happy, confident, and building lives they loved, standing on their own two feet and rooted in the strength and independence she had always encouraged them to find within themselves. She believed in them wholeheartedly and made sure they knew it. There is no doubt she would have been beaming with pride watching her oldest daughter walk across the stage at Arizona State University this coming May, just as she would have continued cheering on her youngest as she pursued her basketball dreams. It is heartbreaking to think of all the milestones she won't be here to witness, but perhaps even harder to imagine the countless ordinary moments they should have had together. Bobbi had so much more love to give, advice to share, and memories to make with her girls. Though her time with them was unfairly cut short, the love and confidence she instilled in them will remain a part of who they are forever.

Bobbi was deeply proud of her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her husband and cheering on her children through their many adventures and accomplishments. She enjoyed crafting, journaling, and hunting for treasures at yard sales, whether she was shopping or hosting one herself. A devoted Karate Kid fan, Bobbi had a way of sharing her love and wisdom through words that will forever echo in the hearts of her family. Her oldest daughter will always remember being reminded that she was “bigger, kinder, wiser, stronger,” along with the countless texts and FaceTime calls they shared throughout each day to stay connected, even when states apart. Distance never stopped Bobbi from being present in her daughter’s life, and one especially cherished recent memory was Bobbi making the road trip to Arizona to visit Tayah. Her Maci will forever cherish hearing her mom say, “Love you more,” a simple phrase that feels like home.

Bobbi was a woman of remarkable wit, strength, intelligence, and heart. She carried herself with class and confidence, but never confused being gracious with being a pushover. She was fiercely independent, unapologetically outspoken, and always authentically herself. Beneath that strong exterior was a deeply caring and empathetic soul. She felt things deeply, loved her people fiercely, and showed up for those she cared about. If you were lucky enough to be one of her people, you knew it. She was someone who could remind you, without question, that you were loved.

Bobbi's fierce love for her family began early in life, particularly through the special bond she shared with her older brother, Jason. As children, the two were nearly inseparable, with Bobbi faithfully following Jason wherever he went. Whether building snow forts in the neighborhood or navigating childhood adventures, they always had each other's backs. Bobbi's independent spirit was evident even then, and Jason was never far away when his little sister needed someone in her corner. When Jason played Nerf basketball, Bobbi proudly dressed as his cheerleader, a role she embraced well beyond their childhood games. She often wrote him encouraging notes before his basketball games, becoming one of his earliest and most devoted supporters. Their bond was built on a lifetime of love, loyalty, and the simple comfort of always having one another.

To her younger sister, Jess, Bobbi was someone to look up to, learn from, and eventually, call her best friend. Like most sisters, their relationship started with a little sister who tagged along, tattled on childhood mischief, and probably got on her big sister’s nerves more than a few times. But as the years went by, that little sister grew up, and their relationship grew into a friendship that meant more than words can express. Bobbi’s strength, independence, and determination were always something to admire. Her example was an inspiration to Jess; an on-going encouragement to dream bigger, trust herself, follow her heart, and believe she was capable of anything she set her mind to. Bobbi was there for all of life’s big moments–graduations, a wedding day, and the journey into motherhood. But just as special were the countless ordinary moments in between. Whether celebrating a big accomplishment or simply sharing in the little moments of everyday life, Bobbi was always just a text message away with words of love, pride, and encouragement. Those frequent, sometimes unexpected messages of love and encouragement were such a special part of their relationship, and their absence will be felt deeply. Losing her means losing not only a sister, but a best friend, a role model, and someone who had been there through it all. Her absence will be felt in a thousand little ways, but the love and memories they shared will last a lifetime.

She is survived by her loving husband Rick of La Crosse; her daughters Tayah (Tanner) Goodman of Phoenix, AZ, Maci Goodman of La Crosse; her brother Jason (Kari) Showen of La Crosse, WI; her sister Jessica (Tim) Slack of Viroqua; her step-mother Kathaleen (Showen) McCullick of Gays Mills, WI; 4 nephews, Alec (Taylor) Showen of Eden Prairie, MN, Sam (Brooke) Showen of Sussex, WI, and Harlyn & Harrison Slack of Viroqua, WI, her dog Peanut, and other aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, James Goodman; her mother-in-law, Carol Berger; her uncle, Larry Everson; her beloved dogs, Bella and Foxy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Bobbi’s honor.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Bobbi's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100