Barbara Belle Nelson

Barbara Nelson died unexpectedly on January 21st, 2021.  She was admitted to Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, with a broken ankle on Christmas Day.  Following surgery, Barbara’s health rapidly declined, and she succumbed to death and moved on to Christ’s gentle embrace. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.  Memorials preferred to Lutheran Social Services.

Barbara Belle Bullis was born June 1, 1941, in Luverne, MN to Ernest Bullis and Margaret Skyberg.  She was a flag twirler in the marching band and graduated from Luverne High School in 1959.  After high school she attended beauty school in Minneapolis.

She returned to Luverne and married Ronald Emery in 1960.  They had three children, Timothy, Daniel, and Christina.  Barbara ran a beauty shop out of her home in Luverne and gave away Emery boards to her clients.  Barbara gave up the shop when Christina was born and a few years later started caring for children in her home daycare.

Barbara was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as teacher, Circle leader, a member of the altar guild and singing in the senior choir.  She was a member of the Moccasins of Luverne and enjoyed entering flower arrangements in their annual flower show.

During her life, Barbara worked in healthcare settings including Luverne Community Hospital, Central Plains Clinic, and Charter Hospital.  She earned a certificate in Office Systems from Southeast Vocational Technical Institute and moved to Sioux Falls in 1988, where she also worked as an Office Manager at Lutheran Social Services.

Barbara was remarried to Robert Nelson of Garretson, SD, in 1998, and they continued their life together in Sioux Falls, close to Robert’s sons, Christopher, Matthew, and Jonathan.  After retiring from Lutheran Social Services, she once again embarked on her passion for caring for young children in her home.  Upon Robert’s death, she relocated to Minneapolis, close to Tim and Christina.

Barbara had two green thumbs and was well known for her masterfully beautiful flower gardens.  She was an accomplished needleworker, from knitting afghans to cross-stitching masterpieces, sewing baby quilts and much more.  She adored her 17 grandchildren and enjoyed their sporting events or just cuddling and reading to them.  She will be remembered for her angel collection, Christmas decorations, and her down-home cooking, particularly her goulash, tuna noodle hotdish, Thanksgiving dinners, and lemon meringue pie.

Having enjoyed her life, Barbara leaves behind her sisters, Deloras Korgel and Connie Burkhart; her children and their families: Timothy and Janet Emery and their children Adam, Alexander, Brooke and Sydney; Daniel Emery; and Christina and Ousman Jobe and their children Keba, NdeyFatou, Samba and Saloum; and her step-children and their families:  Christopher and Robbin Nelson and their children Alexandra, Keeghan, Kailey and Mason; Matthew and Carrie Nelson and their children Ashby, Ainsley, Abrielle and Alijah; and Jonathan Nelson and his daughter Anika.

May God bless the memory of Barbara Belle Nelson eternally.