Barbara Ruth Lund

Barbara Ruth Lund, 72, passed away peacefully at Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley MN on August 2, 2026.

Barb was born in Sioux Falls SD, on June 22, 1954, to Herbert and Evelyn Lund. The family moved to Minneapolis and then to Albert Lea MN, where Barb graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1972. Barb was very active in high school, especially with piano, clarinet, chorus, and journalism. Likewise she was very involved at First Lutheran Church, with choirs, Worship in Jazz, and the Mexico Youth Encounter trip.

She valued education and enjoyed her years at St. Olaf College. An important honor during her time at St. Olaf was being selected to give a Chapel Talk. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During her summer breaks, Barb enjoyed working as a performing member of the staff at the historic Many Glacier Hotel in Montana. She earned Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder. While in Boulder, Barb taught piano, directed a church choir and remained very involved in her personal musical growth.

Upon her return to Minnesota, Barb worked at Schmitt Music for several years. A longtime member of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, she enjoyed being a part of Silver Bells and the Older Wiser Lutheran Seniors. She had a generous and caring spirit and frequently donated to Central's Free Store.

Her pleasures included train travel, attending festive events and connecting with family members. She was always deeply attached to music and to her grand piano.

Through most of her adult life, Barb suffered from mental illness which eventually became debilitating. What a cruel disease! It robbed Barb of the chance to achieve more of the things she had hoped and the world of more contributions she could have made. Nonetheless, her illness never robbed her of her essence as a sweet and caring child of God.

Barb was preceded in death by mother Evelyn Lund, father Herbert Lund, and adopted mother Mona Lund. She is survived by siblings David (Debra) Hjortland of North Oaks MN, Richard (Nancy) Lund of La Grange Park IL, Jonathon (Laurie) Berg of Hatton ND, Rachel (David) Christensen of Albert Lea, and Marie (Johnny) Gillespie of Glenview IL as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was previously married to James Myra of Broomfield CO.

A memorial service will be held on August 22nd at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN at 2 pm with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm, followed by interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Albert Lea. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial to First Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice.