Barbara Beverly Welsh, 89, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, in her home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, September 27th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A lunch will follow the service in our reception room. Interment will be in Nicholas Cemetery.
Barb was born on October 20, 1936, in Schafer, North Dakota, to Alfred and Helen Brown (Ellestad).
Barb was the second of 12 children born to Alfred and Helen. After losing her older brother, Virgil, when they were children, Barb became the oldest of the surviving siblings. She often shared stories of growing up on a farm with her brothers and sisters, finishing their chores so they could play baseball on weekends. Her dad, “Brownie,” would often join them, choosing the losing team, which usually wasn’t losing for long once he joined in.
On May 7, 1955, Barb married Al. Their story began by chance when Barb poured him a cup of coffee at the Black Gold Cafe in Keene, North Dakota, a simple moment that led to more than 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and raised two sons, Brad and Mike. After raising two boys, Barb was especially delighted when her first three grandchildren were girls. She later welcomed two grandsons, whom she loved just as dearly.
Barb was known for her generous spirit, caring heart, and willingness to be there for the people she loved. She had a gift for listening and giving thoughtful advice, and family members often turned to her when they needed someone to talk to or a little perspective.
Her faith was also an important part of her life. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Barb had a deep love for Jehovah and found comfort and purpose in her faith throughout her life.
While Barb held various jobs outside the home, she took the greatest pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking, and she showed her care for others in many ways, especially through food. No visitor left her home hungry, and chances were good they also left with a Cool Whip container filled with leftovers, cookies, or a loaf of zucchini bread.
Barb is survived by her husband, Al; sons Brad (Dawn) and Mike; grandchildren Amanda (Derek), Heather (Daren), Ashley, and Mitch (Christa); great-grandchildren Wyatt, Olivia, Logan, and Brynlee; and siblings Larry, Marvel (Ron), Margie, Harry (Phylis), Ramona (Steve), Dean (Paula) and Karen. Barb also has numerous nieces and nephews who thought the world of her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Helen; siblings Virgil, Lloyd, Alfred, and David; and grandson Bryce.
Guestbook