Barbara Kay Kosel-Lopez

Barbara of Belton, TX was living her best life as a mother and grandmother when a pulmonary embolism and stroke unexpectedly shortened her vibrant life. She was born and raised in her mother’s home state of North Dakota, and yet her father’s roots in Texas caused her to feel like a daughter of both states.

As a young person, she relied on puzzles and Scrabble to make it through some tough winters, and she grew up loving horse riding and trapping. The family made regular trips down to Texas, and a highlight for Barbara was stopping at Kosel’s Restaurant in Temple. In her twenties, she traveled extensively with her parents to places like California, Houston, and New York. When she settled in Texas in the 1980s, she became even closer with her aunts, uncles, and cousins here. The family was known to gather for birthdays and other special occasions, often with multiple domino games occurring at once. The big gathering was always the family reunion on Thanksgiving Day at the Barclay school house, a 50+ year tradition that the family continues today. Beginning in 2005, a family reunion for the northern relatives was founded at her brother’s cabin in Minnesota. “Koselfest” was full of time on the water, a fantastically rich menu, and certainly more dominoes. While Barbara absolutely loved these gatherings and seeing so many people, you would never find her taking center stage. She was always the person rustling up “just one more person” for the domino game, talking one-on-one with someone, or making quietly insistent suggestions on activities.

During her working years, she gravitated toward jobs that served the elderly or young children. She was an incredibly gifted caregiver, and she always knew how to bring cheer to people who were ailing. Without a doubt, her particular spiritual gift was caring for older family and friends. Of course, when it came time to add “gramma” and “granny” to her title, she truly shined. She was ready to travel to Marble Falls or McKinney at the drop of a hat to care for her five grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Tony of Belton; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Danny Hoelscher of Marble Falls, and their children Lila, Josephine, and Landon; and her son and daughter-in-law, James and Lindsey Cockerham of McKinney, and their children Quentin, Henry, and soon-to-be Miles. She is also survived by her siblings Rich and Rondi Kosel (Fargo, ND); Karen Kosel (Fargo, ND); Gary and Carol Kosel (North Oaks, MN), and Marlys Kosel (Temple, TX), as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Willie and Eunice Kosel.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Temple, TX on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 11:00am with a lunch and visitation to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Internment will take place in Sherwood, ND at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Legion (122 Main St., Sherwood, ND 58782) or First Lutheran Church (1515 W Adams Ave., Temple, TX 76504).

Barbara was a great friend to many people in North Dakota, Texas, and beyond, and the family wishes to thank everyone who has sent their well wishes and prayers during this time.