Barbara R. Aronen

Barbara Aronen, age 65, of Savage, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by loving family on April 17th, 2026. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 Marschall Rd, Shakopee, MN. The service will be followed by a short luncheon for all to get together and share stories of Barb’s amazing life.

Barb will be laid to rest at the Church of St. Michael Cemetery in Farmington, MN.

To honor Barb with flowers, please order from your favorite local florist, such as Pearson Florist in Shakopee.

Barbara was born December 3,1960 to Forrest and Joanne Burress in Indianapolis, IN but spent most of her early years in Odenton, Maryland. She moved to Minnesota in 1975, graduated shortly after in 1978 attending Burnsville High School. She is still friends with many she knew in her younger years both in Maryland and in Minnesota. She met Lee in 1981 while working together at Todd Chevrolet. Though Lee was 6 years her senior, she enjoyed his friendly personality and his easy charm. They were married November 3, 1984 and welcomed twins Matt and Kelly in January of 1986. She retired from Xcel Energy (formally NSP) after 36 years of service at the age of 55. Her retirement years were spent hanging out with her beloved grandchildren, Chloe and Rylee, taking frequent trips to the cabin, taking a few road trips with Lee and a few beach trips with Matt and Shauna. She spent many afternoons on the phone with Kelly chatting about daily life and giving meaningful insight into parenting and a life well lived. She would often do the same for Chloe and Rylee.

Barb loved spending time at the cabin; fishing, four-wheeling and being outdoors in the sun. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play hockey and cheering them on in all sports and school activities. Barb was an avid gardener and often had beautiful gardens for the birds and bugs to visit on warm summer days. Chatting on the phone with her family made her very happy.

Barb was a brave, compassionate woman who placed her family above all else. She was kind and understanding to people and animals in all situations and walks of life. You’d most often find Barb in the company of her favorite person, her husband Lee, curled up in her chair watching HGTV or on her tablet playing her favorite games. Before her diagnosis, she walked over 6 miles a week and tried to stay active. She was known for her quick humor, her unending love and patience, and her easy acceptance of all. She will be dearly missed by anyone who had the opportunity to meet her.

Barb will be missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Lee Aronen; children, Matt (Shauna) Aronen and Kelly (Ross) Charles; grandchildren, Livia, Chloe and Rylee Charles; parents, Forrest and Joanne Burress; siblings, Julie (Jim) Bender, Laurie (Dale) Kaiser, Jim Burress; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.