Barbara Ann Berquist

Barbara Ann “Baba” Berquist passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Fridley, Minnesota, surrounded by those she loved.

Barb was born on July 19, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Anthony “Tony” and Edith (Mueller) Truso. She grew up there with her sister, Annette, and attended Wilson High School. The family home on Blair Avenue remained a beloved gathering place for generations of family well into the 1990s.

In 1963, Barb married Wes. Together, they had two sons, Jon and Mark, and Barb welcomed DiAnne and KarAnne into her family. Many treasured family memories were made at Tainter Lake and Red Cedar Lake.

Barb made many special memories on baseball road trips to ballparks throughout the Midwest. She also enjoyed bowling at Wagner’s in Eau Claire and gathering with the girls at Randall’s. Generous with her time, Barb volunteered with the Luther Hospital Auxiliary and became its first president to serve two terms.

In 1989, Barb married Sheldon, and her family grew once more with the addition of Barrie and Mikki.

Barb loved reading, journaling, “putzing” in her garden, playing the piano, and singing in the church choir. Above all, her family was the center of her world. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and whenever they needed her, she was there—every single time. She especially treasured hosting her grandchildren for Baba Camp, complete with copious amounts of ice cream and red licorice.

Barb and Sheldon could often be found at a Twins game or cruising to a local car show in one of Sheldon’s classic cars. One of the highlights of each year was attending the Back to the 50’s car show. They also enjoyed gathering with friends for game nights.

Barb is survived by her husband, Sheldon; her sons, Jon (Nola) Westphal and Mark (Tonya) Westphal; and her bonus daughters, DiAnne (Moise) Riboh, KarAnne (Steve) Harju, Barrie (Nate Otte) Berquist, and Mikki Law.

Her survivors also include her grandchildren, Dillon, Kaysie, Bethany, Ryan, Skyla, Nicholas, Kate, Mariko, Andrew, Joe, Makenna, Sydney, Reese, Myriam, Ariele, Jonathan, and Alyssa; and six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her beloved Alderson nephews and their families—Stephen Jr. (Lourdes), David (Irene), Robert (Gelos), and Keith (partner Anna)—as well as many other relatives.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Edith; her sister, Annette; her brother-in-law, Stephen; and her granddaughter, Faith Berquist-Otte.

Pastor Terri Anderson will lead a memorial service celebrating Barb’s amazing life at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the service. A luncheon will follow, with an open mic for sharing memories.