Barbara Jane Welken, 93, passed Monday June 2, 2025, at Lindstrom Senior Living with her children by her side. Services will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025, at Zion Free Lutheran church, 3725 110th Ave SE, Valley City, ND with a gathering of family and friends at 1:00, service at 2:00 and coffee & treats following. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery.

Barbara was born January 22, 1932, in Valley City, ND to Edward and Helena (Olsberg) Bowman. She had three siblings, her brother Shannon Bowman, twin sister Beverly Nelson and sister Enid Roxton.

As a child Barbara attended eight schools living in Kathryn, ND, Split Rock Lighthouse (in the pumphouse) in MN, Pine River, MN, Whitehall, MT, and Butte, MT. She graduated from Valley City College High School. Barbara attended Bismarck Evangelical Hospital School of Nursing in Bismarck, ND graduating in 1953 as a Registered Nurse.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart Ralph Welken on June 26, 1953, in Valley City. Through this union three children were born. Karen was born in Fargo, ND, Wayne in Bay Shore, NY and Jane in Santa Ana, CA.

Barbara worked as a surgical nurse in Fargo, ND. She moved many times during her life living in 10 different states and two other countries. She was an expert at settling the family, making a home and advocating for her children’s lives and education. The family lived in Fargo ND, Bay Shore NY, Gambrills MD, Santa Ana CA, Warminster PA, Chalfont PA, North Caldwell NJ, Brasschaat Belgium, Tien Mou Taiwan, Brasschaat Belgium (again), Ramsey NJ, Johnson City TN, Cocoa Beach FL, Waterloo Belgium and Cocoa Beach FL & Detroit Lakes, MN (retirement homes). She lived in Lindstrom, MN near her family most recently.

Barbara was a strong, independent, kind wife, mother and friend. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family. Her home was always the center for getting together. She enjoyed all kinds of travel including trips in the motor home with Ralph. She had a passion for reading, looked forward to relaxing pontoon boat rides, Dairy Queen Blizzards and loved watching birds at her feeders. She had a special talent for attracting hummingbirds. She went searching for seashells on the beach in Florida for hours. Barbara also had a special affinity for picking up sticks in her yard – even doing so with her walker in later years. Her travels frequently included collecting antique rolling pins, coffee grinders, porcelain potties and other antiques from shops and auctions. Barbara was known for her perfect chocolate chip cookies and delicious chokecherry and raspberry jam. She was sure to have some cookies in the freezer and jam in the fridge for any guests. She had strong opinions but mostly kept them to herself. If she didn’t believe something her children told her, she would never say they were lying. She would just say, “I find that hard to believe.” Always the diplomat.

Left to cherish Barabara’s memory are her children Karen (Bob) Chaprnka of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Wayne (Laurie) Welken of Windsor CO, Jane (Andy) Butzer of Center City, MN; six grandchildren Crista Ulteig, Tyler (Lizzie) Welken, Alison Welken, Bryce (Marin) Butzer, Emma (George) Ashenmacher, Anya (Quillan) Oak and four great grandchildren Abra, Joie, Maude and Walker.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Welken, her parents, her siblings and their spouses: Shannon Duane Bowman (Vivian), Beverly Nelson (Elwood), Enid Roxton (Clifford) and her nephew Shannon Bowman.

In Barbara’s words, “Bye for now” ~ Mom.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Free Lutheran Church and Alzheimer’s Association.