Vera Katherine Barlund

Vera Katherine Barlund  79, Osage, Minnesota died Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Vera was born on September 20, 1936 the daughter of Asher and Sylvia (Pietila) Niemela in Green Valley Township of rural Becker County. She was raised and educated in Menahga, graduating in 1955. As a young woman, Vera moved to Minneapolis where she worked for a number of years until returning to the Menahga in 1969. She was united in marriage to Albert Barlund on March 6, 1971 in Osage. They made their home in rural Osage, where Vera raised their children and helped with the daily chores of the farm. When the children were older she started to work at Swift’s in Frazee. Vera later became a cook at the Osage Senior Citizen Center and Sunnyside Care Center in Lake Park until her retirement in 2009. Vera enjoyed gardening, her flower beds, cooking, baking, puzzles and reading. She also enjoyed decorating for the holidays and taking numerous photos. The time she cherished the most was time spent with her grandchildren. Vera is survived by her husband of 45 years, Albert Barlund of Osage, MN; son, John (Kari) Barlund of Frazee, MN; daughter, Mary (Scott) Starry of Osage, MN; four grandchildren, Nathan, Kennady, Brock & Madison;  four brothers, Arnold (Dagmar) Niemela of Willow River, MN; Eugene Niemela of Menahga, MN; James (Anne) Niemela of Brooklyn Park, MN; Roger (Renee) Niemela of Park Rapids, MN; two sisters, Joan Wehmas of Osage, MN; Hilda Niemela of Menahga, MN; numerous nieces and nephews. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, infant twins and brother-in-law, Harvey Wehmas.