Barbara Jean Rostad passed away Feb. 3, 2026. She leaves behind her husband, Dean Alan Rostad; children, Elisa (Mark) Hughes and Kirsen (Mitchell) Leep; grandchildren, Jack and Grace; brother, Bob (Coleen) Christensen; and numerous extended family members.
She was born in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, on Nov. 15, 1942, to Ray and Marie Christensen, and was the oldest of three siblings. Barb spent her childhood at the family gas station, a place where she learned the value of hard work, community, and genuine conversation.
Barb attended college and graduate school in Minnesota. Soon after, she began building a career that would define so much of her life. On Sept. 18, 1965, she married her husband, Dean, and they began a lifelong partnership and family together.
Barb’s remarkable career was rooted in her love of knowledge. As a librarian and researcher, she approached every question with rigor, enthusiasm, and an unshakable belief in the power of learning. Her professional path later expanded into entrepreneurship, where she brought the same dedication and ingenuity to her work as a business owner. No matter the role, Barb’s sharp mind and tireless work ethic left a lasting impact on colleagues, clients, and communities.
Her talents extended far beyond her professional life. Barb was an artist whose creativity found expression in many forms. She was a true foodie, always eager to explore new flavors, recipes, and restaurants, and she delighted in sharing those discoveries with others. A lifelong Elvis fan, she carried a joyful reverence for his music—often a source of comfort and fun.
Barb also enjoyed traveling. As a young girl, annual vacations were a staple for the Christensens. This tradition continued with her own family. Many trips centered on Elisa’s obsession with Laura Ingalls Wilder, visiting nearly every location she lived. There was a memorable drive to California for the 1984 Olympics, several visits to the East and West Coasts, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and a train ride to Italy just for gelato.
In her retirement years, Barb enjoyed weekly brunches with her brother, Lanny, and his wife, Joyce. She excelled at puzzling and coloring—her art covered the walls of her nursing home.
Those who knew Barb will remember her quick wit, her humor, and her love of learning. Her insatiable curiosity led her to dive deeply into any topic that caught her attention, and she approached every new interest with the same passion and intensity that defined her life.
Above all, Barb was a steadfast partner, a proud mother, family member, and friend whose presence brought laughter, guidance, and love. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the knowledge she shared, and the countless lives she touched.
Barb’s memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her spirit—curious, creative, and full of heart—will endure in the stories, traditions, and love she leaves behind.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the Williamson White Funeral Home in Amery, Wisconsin, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Bunyan Union Cemetery in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, at a later date.
To sign an online guestbook and view a video tribute, please visit williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery.
