Barbara Ann O'Connor

Barbara A. O’Connor, age 92, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at her home. Barbara Ann Angell was born on August 26, 1933, in Austin, Minnesota, to Perl and Mildred (Vasey) Angell. Barbara grew up in Newry Township, attended country school, and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1951. On January 3, 1952, Barbara was united in marriage to Thomas Lawrence O’Connor at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie. The couple raised their family and farmed in Newry Township their entire married life.

Barbara worked in Blooming Prairie at the bank, law office, and accounting firm before starting her own business as an accountant and tax preparer. At the age of 39, Barbara went back to school at Mankato State University to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She ran a successful business for many years until her retirement at the age of 70. During the farm crisis of the 1980s she consulted and assisted farmers in advocating for them during troubling times. Barbara was a member of the Women Involved in Farm Economics (W.I.F.E.) organization. She spent many hours on the road attending meetings, testifying before Congress, and taking several trips to Washington D.C. to educate legislators about what was going on and what was needed for farmers. It was Barbara’s wish to leave a lasting farming legacy for the future generations.

Barbara was a longtime member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newry Township, as well as St. Columbanus Catholic Church. She was active in the AAUW, American Legion Auxiliary, National Society of Accountants, and the Minnesota Association of Public Accountants. Over their lives, Barbara and Tom traveled throughout the world, including extensive motorhome travel throughout North and Central America. They enjoyed winters at their home in Montesa at Gold Canyon, Arizona. The couple was fortunate to have developed lasting friendships throughout their married life and their many travels. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She spent her last years in Blooming Prairie reading books, playing with her dog Lucy, and watching Little House on the Prairie. A woman with a generous heart, she was always willing to help others.

Barbara is survived by her children, Michael (Beverly) O’Connor, Ellen (Larry) Stebbins, Julie (Greg) Schiller, and Jim (Kelli) O’Connor, all of Blooming Prairie; grandchildren, Melissa (Todd) Johnston of Geneva, April O’Connor of Austin, Kristine (Nathan) Whiting of Lakeville, Kelly (Elizabeth) Trom of Blooming Prairie, Michelle O’Connor of Austin, Mary Beth (Daniel) Donnelly of Austin, Ryan (Marya) Stebbins of Dundas, David (Courtney) O’Connor of Blooming Prairie, Katie (Sam) Wencl of Blooming Prairie, Patrick (Krystal) O’Connor of Blooming Prairie, and Megan (Jacob) Katcher of Blooming Prairie; great-grandchildren, Mariah, Thomas, Micah, Regan, Garrett, Connor, Bradley, Luke, Olivia, Liam, Nicholas, Kayce, Madison, Shelby, Alexis, Lukas, Ashley (Colten), Sadie, Rhett, Weston, Quinn, Case, Jetson, Camille, Leland, Bennett, Matthew, and Karsten; great-great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Roman, Westen, and one on the way; sister, Elaine (Robert) Schmeling of Blooming Prairie; sister-in-law, Frances (Dennis) Njos Bramsted of Blooming Prairie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perl and Mildred Angell; husband, Thomas O’Connor; sister, Betty Ellingson; brothers, William and Ralph Angell; and many other relatives and friends.

A special thank you to her friends and caregivers, Margo and Rob White, and Holli Naatz, for the wonderful care and love they gave to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation or the Blooming Prairie Friends of the Library.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie. The visitation will take place from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church. The rosary will begin at 5:30 p.m. The visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newry Township, Minnesota. Following the burial a reception will be held at the Servicemen’s Club in Blooming Prairie. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.