Barbara Anne Johnson

Barbara Anne Johnson (Rupich) beloved mother, aunt, grand aunt, great aunt, friend and partner passed away from congestive heart failure on August 14th, three weeks after her 98th birthday which was celebrated with her daughters, sons-in-law, family friends, several nephews, nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces.

Barbara, the youngest of four sisters and one brother, was born into humble circumstances in Hibbing on July 21, 1926. Barbara grew up on the tiny family farm without indoor plumbing in Corey Acres outside of Hibbing. Her parents Dan and Mary were Croatian immigrants. Barbara and her siblings spoke both English and Croatian at home.

Barbara was married to her late husband Clayton Johnson for 35 years. In 1957 the family moved to Hoyt Lakes, MN which was Barbara's home until she moved to the Twin Cities in 2013 to be closer to her daughters.

In 1983 she renewed a relationship with Joe Yukich of Kelly Lake, MN, a high school classmate from 40 years earlier. In that serendipitous meeting both Joe and Barbara found their lives' true loves. Their relationship lasted until Joe's passing in 2013. They were weekly regulars at Iron Range polka parties, celebrations, and family gatherings. Barbara truly loved dressing in her 'glitter and sequined' dresses with dancing heels and socializing with others who enjoyed the polka scene. Barbara ensured that Joe, who had not been outside of Hibbing and Kelly Lake since coming home from WWII, got out to see the world traveling extensively to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, and to many of the major cities in the U.S.

When Barbara moved to the Twin Cities after living on the Iron Range for 86 years, she participated in a variety of activities and enjoyed making new friends.

Since December 2023, she lived at the Willows of Ramsey Hill, a wonderful memory care residence in St Paul. A month into her new home the staff said "It seems like Barbara has been here for ten years. She fits in, participates in every activity and has made so many friends" Multiple care attendants at the Willows told her daughters "I love your Mom” or “Your Mom is my favorite" and “if I am down, Barbara always makes me feel better”. Even while Barbara was in senior living she strode the halls wearing through multiple gliders on the bottom of her walker. In Memory Care Barbara was the undisputed bean bag cornhole champion and regular winner of hangman, bingo, and was wickedly good at "Name that Tune"! She continued her daily walks until the few days prior to her passing.

Barbara valued her right to vote and expressed strong political opinions. She voted in every election since 1948-Truman versus Dewey. She and Joe were treated as special guests when visiting Congressman Jim Oberstar, himself an Iron Ranger at his Washington D.C. office. She was looking forward to getting registered to vote in her new St. Paul precinct to place her vote.

Barbara loved animals, anything that sparkled, and nature -- flowers, birds, butterflies and even the bunnies and deer that ate her plants. She enjoyed watching them from the windows of her home.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Mary Rupich, siblings Katie Palcich, Josie (Lester) Fontana, Anne (Stanley) Yeshe, Mandy (Albert) Kosmerl and brother John Rupich; son-in-law Mark Schelske, nephews Roger Kosmerl, Dick Palcich, Jim Yeshe and Kenny Malkovich, longtime special companion Joe Yukich and many close friends.

Barbara is survived by daughters Sharyn (Bruce) Schelske, Susan (Roger) Lambert and Janis (Mark Schelske) Johnson; Nephews Tommy (Barbara) and Lester (Pam) Fontana, Albert (Joan) Kosmerl and Patrick (Donna) and Alan (Robin) Yeshe; Nieces Peg (Rick) Prebich, Kathy (Bob) Uncini and Joan (Kenny) Malkovich and numerous grand nephews, grand nieces, great nephews and great nieces and friends.

Barbara was a loving mother, friend, partner, sister, daughter, aunt, great aunt, and grand aunt. She cherished her family deeply and loved spending time with them. We are thankful for all that Barbara has been in our lives and we will miss her dearly, but will forever hold her in our hearts and cherish our memories of her beautiful soul.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the professional team at The Willows of Ramsey Hill in St. Paul for their kindness, dedication, and the excellent care given to Barbara during the time that she lived there.

Those wishing to send cards can send them to 10921 Territorial Dr., Burnsville, MN 55337. Memorials to the family or to the charity of the donor's choice in honor of Barbara Anne Johnson.