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.
