Barbara Jean Welsh

Barbara Jean Welsh, the daughter of Ernest and Esther (Olson) Nelson, was born on July 1, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN.  She attended Robbinsdale and Anoka grade schools through the sixth grade.  Her family then purchased a farm near Evansville, MN, where Barb’s mother had been born and raised.  Barb continued her education with two years of country school before graduating from Evansville High School in 1946. 

In 1947, Barb met the love of her life, Joseph Welsh, while walking down the street to go roller skating with her sister. They were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria on September 6, 1948.  Together they farmed near Alexandria before purchasing a dairy farm near Osakis, in Orange Township in 1960, where they raised their three children, Mary Jo, John, and Janelle. 

Barb worked at Anderson’s Greenhouse in Alexandria for many years, helping with spring planting, greenhouse work and custom floral gardening.  She also worked at Herberger’s as a salesclerk before retiring in 1995, after 25 years.  While Barb worked and helped on the farm, she also found time to volunteer at the Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis.  She was involved with the Christion Mothers Group and St. Elizabeth Mission Circle that brought her joy being with friends while making quilts for people in need.

Kind, loving, caring, and hardworking are just a few words that best describe Barb.  She was known for her love of sunflowers.  Her entire home was decorated with sunflower pictures, wallpaper, and dishes.  She was also known for her green thumb.  She not only had stunning inside flowers but outside flower gardens as well where she grew the most beautiful geraniums.  She loved family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed getting together and playing cards with friends. Barb was a good cook and made sure no one left her house hungry.   She enjoyed camping and belonged to the Good Sam Camping Club for many years.  She collected porcelain dolls and painted many other kinds of ceramic figurines.  She loved to go shopping even though she didn’t buy anything. Barb will be forever loved by those who knew her best. 

Barbara J. Welsh, died on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Galeon in Osakis, MN at the age of 94 years old.  She is survived by her children, Mary Jo (Douglas) Schultz of Birmingham, AL, John (Judy) Welsh of Alexandria, and Janelle (Robert) Larson of Baxter; 8 grandchildren, Chris (Danielle) Schultz, Kevin (Leah) Schultz, Michelle (friend, Shane Crowe) Wynn, Michael (Rozanne) Schultz, Jennifer (fiancé, Kenny Gray) Schultz, Kathy (Jonathan) Howton, Sandy (Matt) Matthews, and Melissa (Erik) Saice; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Judy (Dennis) Mack of Minneapolis; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Welsh, her parents, and a sister, Irene Olson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis, MN.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the mass at the church on Saturday.  

Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Osakis, MN.

A special thank you to Moments Hospice and the Galeon staff for the outstanding care given to our mother.