Barbara Ellen Lehto Fosso

Barbara Ellen Lehto Fosso

Barbara Ellen Lehto Fosso, age 85, of Pengilly, Minn., passed away April 6, 2025 surrounded and held by her family while Elvis serenaded her.

Born April 4,1940, in Grand Rapids, Minn., to Fred Telore and Florence Catherine Hiatt, Barb, a 1958 graduate of Grand Rapids High School, spent most of her adult life living and raising her family in the area. She managed to escape the snow for a few years to live in Reno near her beloved brother Bill. During her working years she may have poured you a beer or two at The Junction in Togo, scooped you a cone at Bridgeman's in Hibbing, or rockabyed your little one in Cloquet. She did it all with her whole heart and a serving of sass.

Barb was known for her love of all things Elvis, quirky wedding shoes, funky hats, skinny pancakes, mooing cookie jar, stepping up in a crisis, spiciness, attending grandchildren's events, and rearranging her cupboards and furniture. She was abundantly creative- wedding florals, ceramics, prom dress alterations, clothes sewing, and meticulous quilting abilities- through the years many have been blessed with the gifts of her hands. All you had to do was ask. There was not a pattern she could follow as written, she made them all her own. One of a kind-just like her.

Barb's greatest joy was "her family" -which included those by birth or belonging. She loved fiercely and was loved by many in return. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother were some of her queen titles.

Her legacy of love will be continued by her children, Debbee (Don) Carlson, Karlene Dunaisky (Mark Hunt) Bill Lehto, Bob (Tammy) Lehto, Cynthia (Kevin) Langseth-Macleod, Amy (Richard)Jahn. Her myriad of grandchildren have promised to keep her memory alive every summer at the cabin by rearranging the furniture, randomly locking the back door, hiding the waffle maker and other shenanigans. Rebecca, Rachel, Danielle, Zach, Jeff, Mikaela, Mira, Sara, Stefani, Michael, Michelle, Amber-she lives on in you now. Loving on each new great grandchild brought her final years the greatest joy-Dean, Carter, Grady, Max, Penny, Cecelia, Finn, Ellie, Bree, Bryce, Lui, Shaylynn, Ashton & Jean.

Barb will be missed by her brother Jim and his wife Bev Hiatt, along with countless well-loved nieces and nephews.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the kind and caring staff at Interfaith Care Center in Carlton, MN and St. Croix Hospice, who made her last months as comfortable as possible.

A celebration of Barb's life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Lone Pine Hall in Pengilly, Minn.

We encourage those attending to bring your stories and any quilt or other item handmade for you by Barb to share with us for the day.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com