Barbara Ann (Mohlin) Melius, age 73 of Shakopee, passed away at her home on Saturday, November 18, 2017. A visitation will be Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 10-12noon with closing words at 12, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee. Barbara will be laid to rest at Lakewood Cemetery.
On December 13, 1943 in Ogden, Utah, parents Paul Henning and Dorothy Marie (Whelan) Mohlin celebrated the birth of their daughter, Barbara Ann Mohlin. Her family settled in Jordan where she attended school and graduated with the class of 1961. Barbara continued her education at the University of Minnesota. Always adventurous, Barbara lived in numerous places before calling Shakopee her home for the past 20 years.
The most important part of Barbara’s life was her family. She was not only a mother and grandmother, but a proud great-grandmother. As a single mother, Barbara worked hard to provide for her daughters. She was nurturing and generous, but never afraid to “tell it as it is.” She stressed the importance of hard work and character building to her family.
Barbara was her grandchildren’s biggest supporters. She attended all their school functions, especially if it meant cheering on the Shakopee basketball teams. With her grandchildren, Barbara enjoyed road trips in her motorhome. They traveled throughout Minnesota, South Dakota, and Utah. During the holiday season, Barbara and the grandchildren would go to the Minneapolis Holidazzle.
When her grandchildren went to college, Barbara decided to learn to use Facebook and texting. Everyday she would check in on them, sending messages like “good morning” and “I love you, have a great day.” Even as her health began to diminish, Barbara stressed the importance of staying connected and making memories.
Barbara’s generosity extended beyond her family. Her home was always open to her neighbors, friends, and her children’s friends. She was a true champion of the underdogs and believed in the concept of “being ever mindful of other people’s feelings.” Whenever someone needed help, Barbara was there to lend a hand or give advice. For every situation in life, Barbara was able to quote song lyrics for the occasion. Barbara’s memory and wit were used daily when she did the crossword puzzle in pen.
Barbara was a small, yet mighty woman who will always be remembered by her daughters, Morrigan Cronen, Melissa Melius, Svea (Christian) Steinert; cherished grandchildren, Cody Cronen, Caitlin (Tommy) Blomberg, Jentz (Brandi) Strassburg, Hunter Teal Melius, Trever (Tara) Precht, Hans Owens, Madeline Steinert, Emma Steinert; her special, one and only great-granddaughter, Scarlette Blomberg; siblings, Paul Mohlin, Tina (Keith) Hellman; godchildren, Brenda, Jessica, and Joey; special niece, Joyce Mohlin; special cousin, Mike (Maryjane) Mohlin; faithful best friend, Marilyn Stack; other devoted relatives and friends.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Patrick and Sven Mohlin.
Arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Shakopee.
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Eileen Hoy
My deepest sympathy to Barb”s family. Barb and I went to school together and had a lot of good times and made many memories. She was so proud of her family and rightly so. She will be deeply missed .
Jane O'Hern
I also went to school and graduated from High School with Barb. She was so full of energy and I loved her spirit. I have great memories of Barb. My deepest sympathy to the family. Jane O’Hern
Kate Lucken
Deepest sympathy. Barb was friends with my mother, she was a wonderful lady. So sorry for your loss.
Meyer
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this tough time, She was such an amazing and strong woman. Such a big hugger for such a small lady. She has left many great memories to all who have had a pleasure to meet her.
XOXO
Jeanne and Rick Meyer and family
Melissa
Rick and Jeanne, you know she loved both of you all your children! We had a lot of laughs together and yes she was very mighty for a tiny lady!
Kathy Filkins
Wish I could be there to bring a casserole and cry with her girls.
Melissa
Thank you Kathy! You are a special lady! I am so glad Svea always had you and I am glad that you allowed Jentz and I in your family as well!
R Mitchell
To the Family of Barbara, so very sorry to read of the loss of your Mother. The loss of a parent creates such an indescribable void, One that only the Creator can adequately fill. I pray that you can draw close to him during this time, and allow the peace (Philippians 4:7) that only he can give, to comfort you during this difficult time. Deepest Regrets
Mel Melius
Mom, I miss you so much already! Thank you for being an amazingly supportive and loving Grandma! I feel like my boys hit the lottery when they got you as a Grandma!
Amy Kritzler
I am so sorry for your loss. I could see how much she loved her grandchildren. May you find solace and peace during this difficult time.
Melissa
Thank you Amy! It is so bittersweet. Gone way to soon she was so young at heart and mind and always willing to listen to a new band. My bennifit was one of the last big public outings she did and she was so Thrilled to she and hear Geoff, Munchy, Mike F, and Roger play again and loved that they all remembered her. But her highlight was sitting and chatting with Prett as she always called him.
Your Josie
My Barbie.
My 2nd Mother.
Thank You.
For It All.
Trina E. Mohn
Barb, So many memories I’ll FOREVER cherish. May you R.I.P.
Mel Melius
Mom, somewhere in all the good words someone forgot to mention your love of animals. We all know how much you loved your dogs and cats. Always two at a time a small dog and a big dog. A fat cat and a medium cat. Now you will all be together. So you can still sleep with them every night.
Kim Porter
Melius family,
I was so sad to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and I am so, so sorry for your tremendous loss. I loved hearing Barb’s stories, her love for all of you was amazing. I will never forget her. I hope for peace in your memories of such an amazing, wonderful soul.
Wallace Long and Karen DiMaio
My deepest heart felt sorrow to the Melius Family. Melissa, if there is anything that Karen and I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will surely do every thing in my power to accomplish it. She is with GOD and the angels now, and there is no where better. Our love and prayers are with the entire family. All our love.
Chip and Karen
Julie Krueger
My heart is still breaking, for all of you!! Barb was such an amazing woman, a ONE OF A KIND, who raised such AMAZING children, and grandchildren!! Her loss hurts deeply, and her absence leaves a big hole, in a lot of peoples hearts, and lives…. Losing Barb, too soon, so fast,
I regret that I didn’t get to say goodbye, because God alive, I LOVED that WOMAN!! Too many great memories to share, but, please know that I will carry them, forever…. I will see all of you, at the visitation, on Saturday….
I love you all!!
Dan Mohlin
Barb was a favorite person in my life as far back as I can remember. I especially remember her days working at the grocery store at Knollwood Mall probably in the early 70’s. She always had love and hugs for everyone who came into her life. What an awesome person, I along with so many people will miss her and that beautiful smile! RIP Barb, say hi to all the other Mohlin’s you run across in heaven. When I think of Mohlin’s of the past I always think of hunting, racing, cement and beautiful christmas trees loaded with presents for everyone.
Karen and Dan Mohlin
Karen Mohlin
My very special Cousin..close to my heart always although separated by so many miles. Being born in the Dee Hospital a month apart was always a sweet memory. Barb was beautiful, tiny but mighty, loving, giving, committed to the well being of those she loved… Family and friends. I will miss her, not being able to talk to or see her again on this planet; she will be with me always in my memories. I love her forever!
Barbara erickson
Melissa and family, I am so sorry to hear that Barb has left us. I know she has a new cloud in heaven with her family and animals around her. What a sweet and hard working lady. We will miss her spirit. My prayers and heart are with you all. Love, Barb E.
Patty Anderson
My deepest sympathy to Barbs family. I went to Highschool with your mom and though we did not stay connected, I remember her having so much energy and a love for life. I am sure you will be grateful for all the memories that she created for you, she will be deeply missed.
Marilyn Stack
To Morrigan (Cordi)-Mel-&-Svea..How do you mend a broken heart or fill in the gaping hole? I know how much you all loved Barbie your MOM and how much she loved you girls Her Grand Childern and Great Grand Daughter Barbie LOVED all of you with so much passion I know Barbie misses all of you as much as you are all going to miss her. My love goes out to each and everyone of you.
Dennis Smith
I just found notice of Barb’s passing. While she and I had our verbal tussles in high school, I held her in high regard then and developed even greater respect for her later.