Barbara Wixon, age 84, of Milroy, Minnesota, died on Friday, September 29, 2023, under the care of hospice at her home. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milroy. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery (Milroy), followed by a luncheon back at the church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to her celebration, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., on Friday at the church.
Barbara Annette Lovald was born on March 7, 1939, in Tracy, Minnesota. She was the only child of Olaf and Violet (Petersen) Lovald. Barb was raised and lived her entire earthly life on the family farm in Gales Township.
Barb attended and graduated from Milroy Public Schools, excelling in band and choir, and played the bass drum in the marching band. She was an accomplished pianist and loved all music. She was very proud of her role as a nun in the Tracy Community Production of the musical, Sound of Music.
Barb married Ronald William Wixon of Tracy, on April 20, 1957, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milroy.
She worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone as an Operator for 21 years and Walmart as Department Manager for 22 years. In addition to working off the farm, Barb and Ron were partners in farming and raising livestock and operating a Grade A dairy farm that sold milk to Blue Bunny.
Barb was a lifelong member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milroy. She served in many rolls as an officer on the church board and Women of the ELCA Board. Barb was devoted in her service to the Lord as she sang in the choir and served on the alter guild. Barb was also a longtime proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 274 in Milroy.
Barb served as an Election Judge and Township Deputy Clerk for Gales Township. She served as an officer on the Redwood County Home Extension Board. She was a talented and knowledgeable flower and vegetable gardener as well as tending to their orchard. Barb served for decades on the all-school reunion committee for the Milroy School.
Barb was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 29, 2023, at her beloved home surrounded by the family she loved and who loved her dearly.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Ron Wixon; daughters, Sharri (Jeff) Van De Wiele of Milroy, Sonja (Dan) Wilson of New Hope; grandchildren, Annette (Joel) Mertens of Redwood Falls, Philip (Laira) Van De Wiele of Tucson; great-grandchildren, Sydney Mertens, Madisyn Mertens, Dylan Mertens; 3 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law; other relatives and many friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, and 2 sisters-in-law.
Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. 507-532-2933. Guest book, service recording, and tribute wall available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.