Barbara (Barb) Berglund, 65, passed away unexpectedly in her home, of natural causes, on Sunday, June 16, 2024. 

Barb was born on January 6, 1959, in Ely, to Bert Berglund and Joan (Zupec) Berglund Leustek.  She was the oldest of three siblings.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patti Sue Berglund, brother Michael Berglund, stepfather Albert Leustek, and wife Emily Wahlberg.

Barb was a graduate of Ely High School, Macalester College, and Hamline University Law School. 

Barb was an active participant in the democratic process, supporting candidates and encouraging others to also engage in the process.  Barb never failed to vote!  She also worked for some time at the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), where she made many life-long friends.

After graduation from law school and passing the Minnesota Bar exam, Barb moved to Alaska for a brief time.  Barb returned from Alaska, to Minnesota, then moved to Florida where she worked for Utility System of America.

Barb eventually moved back to Ely to establish her law practice.  Ely was home, and Barb enjoyed inviting friends from college and law school to join her in Ely and share in Ely’s culture and traditions.  The Ely Winter Festival, with its snow carving, was one of Barb’s favorite events and for several years she hosted the Snow Carver’s dinner at her home.

On January 6, 2014, Barb married her loving life partner, Emily.  They shared a passion for gardening, feeding the birds and other critters, celebrating summer and winter solstice, and watching football and tennis. Theirs was a “divided household” with Barb supporting the Green Bay Packers, and Emily cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.

Barb also had a broad appreciation for the arts, and supported many local artists, proudly displaying their work in her home and gifting their work to others.

Barb is survived by extended family members, including nephew Izaak Berglund of Lakeville, MN, niece Abigail (Berglund) Kaul of Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law Dolores Berglund of Little Falls, MN,  cousins Don (Cheryl) Zupec of Duluth and Renee Zupec (William Masieniec) of Chisholm, brother-in-law Rick (Dana) Wahlberg of Duluth, many other cousins, and a multitude of friends across the country. She leaves her dear pets, Elly and Maya, in the loving care of special friend Heather Griffith of Babbitt.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the organization of the donor’s choice.  

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.