Barbara Johannsen

Barbara E. Johannsen

was born to Donald and Sharon (Mahoney) Nelson on February 28, 1960 in Pipestone, Minnesota where she was raised and received her education. After she graduated from Pipestone High School in 1978, she attended college in Mankato, Minnesota for two years. Following her education there, she returned to Pipestone where she became employed at KLOH Radio. On September 19, 1980, Barb was united in marriage to Charles Norenberg at First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. Following their marriage, they lived in Pipestone. A short time later, they moved to Lake Benton, Minnesota, and then to Holstein, Iowa. She later returned to Pipestone along with her daughters. Throughout these various moves, she continued her work at the radio station in Pipestone. She was united in marriage to Joel Johannsen at the Three Maidens in Pipestone. After their marriage, they lived in the Pipestone area. Barb later worked at Three Eagles Communication in Luverne, Minnesota. On Thursday, May 31, 2012, she died unexpectedly at her home at the age of 52 years, three months, and three days.

While growing up, Barb was active in 4-H softball. She continued playing this sport into adulthood. She also belonged to a local bowling team. Barb enjoyed the outdoors and camping.

She is survived by her husband, Joel Johannsen of Pipestone, Minnesota; two daughters, Jessica Osburn and her husband James of Tecumseh, Michigan, and Heidi Norenberg of Holland, Minnesota; one granddaughter, Brooklyn Sunshine Norenberg; one grandson, Jesse James Osburn; her stepdaughter, Jasmine and her children, Savannah, Sydney and Michael 'Trey'; her mother, Sharon Nelson of Pipestone, Minnesota; one sister, Joyce Peschon and her husband, Rollie of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and two brothers Steve Nelson of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Jim Nelson and his wife, Tami of Pipestone, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her father, Don Nelson; and her stepfather, Paul Nelson.