Barbara Diane Ellifson

“As Christians, our farewells are not forever, as we will FARE WELL forever with Christ”

Barbara Diane (Deutscher) Ellifson, age 70, died peacefully at her home in Prescott, WI on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from calorific deficiencies following a spinal stroke.

Barbara was born on October 2, 1952 in Mondovi, WI; the second daughter of Berval and June (Winter) Deutscher. She was baptized into God’s family on October 19, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Mondovi, WI. She had a joyous upbringing with three sisters: Deborah, Della, and Dina. Barbara graduated from Mondovi High School in 1970. In 1973, She graduated with her RN diploma degree from Swedish Hospital School of nursing in Minneapolis, MN. She was employed at St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center (Region’s) for 14 years, specializing in critical care nursing. Barbara attended the University of Minnesota from 1978-1982; and completed her BSN and MSN. She then was employed with the American Red Cross in St. Paul, Minnesota, specializing with organ, tissue and eye donation for 9 years; then Dialysis Centers around St. Paul for 10 years. Upon retirement from nursing, she worked in the educational training field (DRC) for 6 years. The most important life trait that Barbara embodied was “to be kind”.

“Remember you may be the only Bible that somebody reads”.

Barbara is survived by her husband: Daniel; mother: June; three sisters: Deborah (Chuck Girtman) Deutscher, Della (Daniel) Harpstrite, and Dina (Kevin) Fitzgerald; eight nieces and nephews: Jennifer, Bernie, Christopher, Roberta, Sabrina, Paul, Jesse, and Jacob; along with Sandy Erickson.

Barbara’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Bequest Program for the advancement of medical education and research.

Memorials preferred to St. Peter Lutheran Church of Afton, Minnesota or Zion Lutheran Church of Mondovi, Wisconsin.

Services for Barbara will be held at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church of Mondovi, Wisconsin.

Arrangements were entrusted to O’Connell Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI. (715)273-4421 fh@oconnellfuneralhomes.com