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Barbara Burnell (Johnson) LaValle, age 75, of Lindstrom, MN, passed away on April 13 surrounded by family after a brief courageous battle with cancer.

Barb was born on March 2, 1949, to Durward and Burnell Johnson at St. John's Hospital in St. Paul, MN. After Barb graduated from Chisago City High School in 1967, she went on to college for two years, then obtained a career with Ramsey County as an Auditor. In 1971, she married the love of her life and dancing partner, Richard (Rick) LaValle. She became a stay-at-home mother to four boys. They loved to travel with their family and friends, especially to Wisconsin Dells. Once her boys were older, she worked at the Chisago Lakes High School pool and eventually at Gustaf’s in Lindstrom until she retired. In her retirement she enjoyed spending her free time with her grandkids.

Rick and Barb attended many rendezvous events and went on numerous camping trips with their good friends Bob and Debbie Ryan. Barb loved her grandchildren as if they were her own and she has left a special place in each of their hearts with many memories. Most recently Barb had become a great grandma and was happy to see her family continue growing. Her family meant a lot to her, and it brought so much joy to see them all together.  

Barb’s favorite hobbies were sewing, camping, gardening, game nights, corn hole bag tournaments, and most importantly her time with the Lord. Barb made sure her family knew she loved them and was proud of them. Barb and Rick made it out to as many sporting events as they could for their grandchildren and were their #1 fans. When not at sporting events they would be found in their yard or sitting in their sunroom and always welcomed anyone to come visit them. She loved being outdoors and better yet, she loved being with her family.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents (Durward and Burnell), in-laws (Fay and Gladys), grandson (Landen). 

Barb is survived by her husband Richard;  brothers Terry (Becky), and Denny (MaryKay); brother-in-law Gary; sons Jason (Heidi), Paul (Dione), Keith (Pam), and Lance (Dena);  grandchildren, Kaylea (Andrew), Cole, Allison, Jacob, Evan, Adam, Bryce, Austin, Lilyana, Trevor (Desira), and Emma;  great-grandson Kayden and close family/friends Bob and Debbie, Jolene and Minde.

Psalms 91:1-2

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 

Celebration of life will be held 11 am, Monday, April 29, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago City with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom, MN. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrand fh.com. 

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