Barbara Mary "Babs" Erlandson

Barbara Mary "Babs" Erlandson (Cartwright) ObituaryErlandson, Barbara Mary
"Babs"
Our beloved Babs, surrounded by her family, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 20, 2025. She was born to Frederick and Mary Cartwright on November 29, 1933 in Englewood, New Jersey. Babs attended Dwight School where she played Field Hockey and Basketball along with her vivacious younger sisters, Sissy and Fredericka, where in addition to their sports, they all sang like angels in the Glee Club.
Babs attended Smith College where she continued singing, playing sports, and excelling in English and French. She enjoyed swimming along the Jersey Shore like a champion on family trips, and later in life, continued her athletic endeavors with tennis. One day in her twenties she found herself skiing in Vermont (she was a beginner at this), and along came the handsome Navy pilot, Dick Erlandson, (practically a pro on skis), to pick her up when she fell on the slopes.
This was the beginning of Dick and Babs, that dynamic duo who raised four children, traveling worldwide as a family; and later in life traveling with their many friends to destinations to Europe, the Far and Middle East, Africa and Iceland. They were lifelong members of Normandale Lutheran Church, and they passed their love of the Lord down to their children and grandchildren. Babs was a wonderful mother, but her talent at this was only surpassed by her role as a grandmother to twelve grandchildren. This lucky dozen were Dick and Babs's greatest passion. They embodied the phrase "to show up," and that they did-
"Dick, we're going to Milan to see Olivia skate!" And Nicky's Wayzata band tour-(Surprise! We are here at Windsor Castle! Where is your bus?) And then Henry at Northwestern, a seven hour drive from Minny to Chicago. "Henry, where do you want to have dinner tonight? Where is Sigma Chi? We'll pick you up!" They plotted!
Babs was popular at Trouvaille, her last home for almost a year and a half, where the staff laughed with delight at her quick wit and humor. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Babs is survived by son Jim, daughter Lynn (Russ), daughter Sue (Paul), son John (Romy), sister Sis Kutner, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral service 11 AM Monday March 3, 2025, at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, with visitation starting at 10 AM. Interment Lakewood Cemetery,
Huber Funeral &Cremation Services
Excelsior Chpael 952-474-9595
Erlandson, Barbara Mary
"Babs"
Our beloved Babs, surrounded by her family, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 20, 2025. She was born to Frederick and Mary Cartwright on November 29, 1933 in Englewood, New Jersey. Babs attended Dwight School where she played Field Hockey and Basketball along