Barbara Jean Follstad

Dr. Barbara Jean Follstad, age 89, passed away at Mayo Methodist Hospital in Rochester on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Barbara was born May 26, 1936 in East St. Paul, MN to Hjalmar and Maxine (Gibson) Persson. She and her younger sister Nancy grew up on York Ave. As a teenager, she raised hamsters with the help of her Grandpa Gustafson, who built custom cages for her enterprise. She sold her hamsters to the multiple pet stores in the area. She attended Johnson High School, graduating in 1954. While attending high school, she worked as a nurse aide at Bethesda and St. John's Hospitals. She embraced this job-especially when working in the maternity ward. Combining her love of animals with her interest in science, she studied veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota. Barbara was one of only two women in her graduating class in 1960. While at vet school, she met and married her classmate, Arnold Follstad. After college, together they embarked on a vet practice in Clark’s Grove, Geneva, and Ellendale. In1968, an opportunity to join The Hiawatha Valley Veterinary partnership prompted a move to Lake City. Together, they raised five children. Barbara held numerous jobs in Lake City. She was a meat inspector for some time at Huettle’s Locker and also worked at the Lake City Nursing Home. She made sure her children developed a good work ethic by encouraging them to get jobs while in school. Barbara held annual rabies clinics at Patton Park for several years. She attended all her children’s school activities, bringing her cassette recorder to all the concerts. After divorcing in1982, Barbara moved to Austin, Minnesota, to work as a federal meat inspector for the USDA at Hormel. While living in Austin, Barbara began raising guinea pigs with her close companion, Henry Ubbens. Together, they raised and sold guinea pigs and hedgehogs in southern Minnesota. Throughout the years, Barbara and Henry also enjoyed attending numerous auctions, pet shows, and swap meets. Barbara continued to live in Austin until 2020 with her beloved Siamese cat. She then moved back to Lake City to be near her children and grandchildren. There she continued to enjoy her family, her cat Squeaky, and her caregivers. Most recently, Barbara was happiest when she was taken on daily car rides. She visited many different places with her family and caregivers. Barbara recently visited her old neighborhood in St. Paul and, later, Como Park. She enjoyed going to Frontenac State Park, Millville, and the towns surrounding Lake Pepin, with stops at thrift stores, cafes, and retail stores. She enjoyed playing Bingo whenever she could. Barbara will also be remembered for generously donating to meaningful causes-especially animal rescues.

Barbara is survived by her five children, Kris Pichelman(David McCormick) of Lake City/Red Wing, Karin Ryan of Oak Center, Eric (Sarah) Follstad of Valrico, FL, Carl Follstad of Edina, and Greta (Bill Kirtz) of Waterville, Minnesota. Barbara has ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many wonderful friends and caregivers. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Nancy, and dear friend Henry Ubbens.

A Memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Lake City at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be the following day at Union Cemetery in St. Paul. Memorials are preferred to the U of MN School of Veterinary Medicine. Online condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com