Barbara Oseth, age 87, of McIntosh, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22nd in St. Michael, MN.
Barbara Jane Oseth was born on October 25, 1938 in Boissevain, Manitoba to Clifford and Jean Mains. In 1962 she married Gordon Oseth. They made their home in McIntosh, MN. They had three children Susan, Guy, and Jeff. She graduated from Boissevain High School and the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, and a Masters of Human Development Degree. In 1959 she was hired as an Extension Educator in Polk County, MN. Barbara worked in McIntosh from 1959 to 1964. In 1976 she joined the West Polk staff in Crookston until she retired in 2002. She loved work. She was responsible for Adult Education including Extension Home Study Groups, and she shared responsibility in the 4-H Program. She led the state in developing a mentoring program for teen mothers, Partners in Parenting, collaborating with Polk County Health. She was on many boards and committees, including the Red River Valley Winter Shows Board of Managers, Minnesota Extension Educators Association Treasurer, Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, Northwest Regional Development Commission, County Youth Committee, McIntosh Foreign Exchange Student Committee, McIntosh Bone Builders, Immanuel Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, and Poplar Meadows Assisted Living Board. She was awarded the Builder of the Valley Award, and nominated for Crookston Woman of the Year.
She was a crafter, making everything from kids clothes, loungewear, bridal veils, snowmen, Christmas wreaths, and her favorite, American Girl Doll clothes. Along with the help of Gordan and her grandchildren, she participated in many craft shows across the state.
Barbara and Gordon spent many hours in gymnasiums watching their boys play basketball. Jeff played at UMC and Moorhead State, and coached as well.
In September, 2025, Barbara moved to St. Michael, MN to be closer to her kids and grandkids. She thoroughly enjoyed the last few months spending time with family, and even making it to a few high school basketball games coached by Jeff.
Left to mourn are her children Susan (Bob) Green of Buffalo, MN, Guy (Kari) Oseth of St. Michael, MN, Jeff (Jen) Oseth of Maple Grove, MN, grandchildren Jorgan, Jensen, and Liam Oseth, Lauren and Cameron Green, sister Elizabeth Clarke, and nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, sister, Susan Ransom, her parents Clifford and Jean Mains, and sister in law Arlene Gustafson.
Her best friends include Remar Voxland, Claudette Erholtz, Eddie Bernhardson, Marlene LeBlanc, Sally Bradley, DonnaRae Jacobson, Carole Burslie, Peg Braaten, and Sharon Knutson. She would often bemoan the fact that many of her friends had passed away including Marian & Bill Finkle, Leila Schow, Lois Schimanski, Alice Warford, John & Gayle Pearce, Sam Bigger, and Gordie Shafer.
Her favorite activity was spending time with her kids and grandkids. She always believed they were the cutest and smartest around.
Honorary pallbearers: Remar Voxland, Claudette Erholtz, Eddie Berhardson, Marlene LeBlanc, Sally Bradley, DonnaRae Jacobson, Peg Braaten, and Sharon Knutson.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.
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