Obituary for Barbara Lynn Simons (Kelso)
Barbara Lynn Simons, age 71 of New Hope, died unexpectedly on September 9, 2023, while at home after battling for years against several different medical Issues.
Barb is survived by her husband, Eldon (Pete) Simons; children, Jason, Justin, Tiffani and Aaron; grandchildren, NeAnna, MeLayna, MeKhile (Kye) and Gabriel; sisters, Diane, Carol, Kelley and Sue, along with their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy, and parents Robert and Donna June Bertha Bukowski Kelso.
Barb was born in Saint Cloud, Minnesota on July 25, 1952, to Robert O. Kelso and Donna June Bertha Bukowski Kelso. She graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper High School in 1970. She worked many years as an in-home day care provider before retiring and working in retail.
On November 14, 1970, she married John Eldon Pfarr, a Lifelong Mechanic. On July 19, 1972 and May 8, 1975 she welcomed her first two sons; Jason and Justin. In May of 1976 she divorced John, but continued to be friends and eventually very good friends.
On September 2, 1981, she married Eldon Charles Simons (who goes by Pete, but has never given a straight answer as to why.) A Poleman for numerous telecommunication companies. When asked why she married Pete, her answer jokingly was "Because I owed him money". On February 16, 1983, and May 9, 1988 she welcomed the last of her children; Tiffani and Aaron. Her children were the most important part of her life.
Barb was a devoted mother and wife and an avid crafter. She enjoyed sewing Hooded bath towels and selling them as part of the Kelso Krafts at craft fairs around the state with her sisters. She was a talented artist, loved cooking for an army, would collect and take care of more kids (i.e. her children’s friends), would watch the Hallmark channel 24/7, always had a word search book on hand, and always dreamed of visiting Ireland. She was also a problem-solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at work and around the house. She was a spiritual person with her own beliefs but was not involved in any church activities. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.
A Celebration of Barb’s life is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday September 21st at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 7300 42nd Avenue North. New Hope MN 55427.
Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at time of services or sent to Simons Family at 1206 Prairie Ridge Lane, Lester Prairie, MN 55354.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com 763-531-1777
Barb is survived by her husband, Eldon (Pete) Simons; children, Jason, Justin, Tiffani and Aaron; grandchildren, NeAnna, MeLayna, MeKhile (Kye) and Gabriel; sisters, Diane, Carol, Kelley and Sue, along with their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy, and parents Robert and Donna June Bertha Bukowski Kelso.
Barb was born in Saint Cloud, Minnesota on July 25, 1952, to Robert O. Kelso and Donna June Bertha Bukowski Kelso. She graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper High School in 1970. She worked many years as an in-home day care provider before retiring and working in retail.
On November 14, 1970, she married John Eldon Pfarr, a Lifelong Mechanic. On July 19, 1972 and May 8, 1975 she welcomed her first two sons; Jason and Justin. In May of 1976 she divorced John, but continued to be friends and eventually very good friends.
On September 2, 1981, she married Eldon Charles Simons (who goes by Pete, but has never given a straight answer as to why.) A Poleman for numerous telecommunication companies. When asked why she married Pete, her answer jokingly was "Because I owed him money". On February 16, 1983, and May 9, 1988 she welcomed the last of her children; Tiffani and Aaron. Her children were the most important part of her life.
Barb was a devoted mother and wife and an avid crafter. She enjoyed sewing Hooded bath towels and selling them as part of the Kelso Krafts at craft fairs around the state with her sisters. She was a talented artist, loved cooking for an army, would collect and take care of more kids (i.e. her children’s friends), would watch the Hallmark channel 24/7, always had a word search book on hand, and always dreamed of visiting Ireland. She was also a problem-solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at work and around the house. She was a spiritual person with her own beliefs but was not involved in any church activities. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.
A Celebration of Barb’s life is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday September 21st at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 7300 42nd Avenue North. New Hope MN 55427.
Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at time of services or sent to Simons Family at 1206 Prairie Ridge Lane, Lester Prairie, MN 55354.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com 763-531-1777