Barbara Louise Grunwald, 78, of Ellendale, died Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna surrounded by her family.
She was born September 3, 1941 in Mankato, the daughter of Lyall and Marie (Marzinske) Berg. Barbara was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma City. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1959. On January 11, 1959, she married Dennis Grunwald in Alma City and they made their home in rural Ellendale. Barbara helped on the family farm and worked for a few local florists. She was very talented and created her own jewelry. Barbara also had her antique store called the Country Coop which was located on the family farm. She enjoyed spending time with family as well as antiquing and attending auctions. She also enjoyed traveling, especially wintering in Lake Havasu City, AZ over the past 22 years. Barbara was a member of First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, where she attended Bible study and was active in ladies aid. She also was a Sunday school teacher and helped with confirmation classes.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Grunwald of Ellendale; children, Rhonda Grunwald of Ellendale, Cheryl Smith of Ellendale, Richard (and Patti Larsen) Grunwald of Surprise, AZ; 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Louis “Skeeter” Berg of Mazeppa, Robert (Evelyn) Berg of New Ulm; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Berg of New Richland, Kathy Berg of New Richland and Kaye Allen of Otsego; many nieces and nephews; and special angel with fur, Gracie May.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyall and Marie Berg; parents-in-law, Ray and Alene Grunwald; brothers, Bill and Stan Berg; sister-in-law, Elaine Berg; brother-in-law, Frank Allen; and nephew, Dean Berg.
Visitation will be at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial service will be held July 18, 2020 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale with the Reverend Richard Sliper officiating. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale. Barbara’s family encourages those attending to wear a facemask.