Barbara Ellen Kjolhaug

Family and friends will gather at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud on Friday, March 14, 2025, to celebrate the life of Barbara Ellen Kjolhaug. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., and the funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow the service. All are welcome.
Barb was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to parents Ella and Dr. Clifford Sisler on June 1, 1931. She passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by loved ones, on February 17, 2025, at Country Manor in Sartell.
Barb grew up in Grand Rapids along with her older brothers, Edwin, Albert, Richard, and David. Following high school, Barb attended St. Olaf College in Northfield and graduated from Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis.
In 1953 she married her beloved husband, Kermit Kjolhaug. Together they raised six children and were married for nearly 70 years. Over the course of her career, Barb held several nursing positions. She served for many years as the Director of Nursing at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, Minnesota.
Barb and Kermit retired and settled at their “Home to Roost” in 1988, where they spent the next 25 years nestled on the hill in the woods outside of Gonvick, Minnesota. During those years, they enjoyed frequent visits from their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. All will cherish the many memories of bonfires, outdoor activities, meals shared, coffee on the deck, the smell of the pines, games, movies, and time spent together around the cozy hearth. Barb especially took pleasure in fall colors, wildflowers, cross-country skiing, Skip-Bo, lemon pie, radio programs, naps, and reading aloud together with Kermit. In 2016, she and Kermit moved to the St. Cloud area. Barb was devoted to caring for Kermit during his final years, and they maintained a warm and loving companionship despite health challenges; he died in 2023.
Throughout her life, Barb drew strength and comfort from her faith. She was active in her church community, including Christian Women and in the choir. In her retirement, she took up rosemaling and filled her home and others with beautifully painted designs and craftwork. Barb was a dear and loyal friend to many. Her joyful laughter, bright smile, fun-loving energy, and sense of humor could light up any room. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Barb looked forward to daily walks outdoors and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat—especially ice cream! She found great joy in the company of babies and children, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew well.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Kermit, her parents, her brothers, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, who were like siblings to her. She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her six children, Kristine (Phil) Boyle of St. Cloud, Peter (Kathleen) Kjolhaug of Clearbrook, Paul (Jodi) Kjolhaug of Cokato, Kathryn Kjolhaug of St. Cloud, Mark (Tamy) Kjolhaug of Shorewood, and John Kjolhaug of Red Wing, along with 23 adoring grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to all the care providers of Ridgeview Place, Country Manor, and Moments Hospice for their support of Barb and her family.