Barbara Diane Nelson

Barbara Diane Nelson, 77, of Underwood, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at her residence surrounded by loved ones under the care of Vivie Hospice.   Her visitation is set for 2 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.  There will be a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. immediately following the visitation.

 Barbara Diane Basness was born on October 27, 1947, in Owatonna, MN, to Maurice and Gladys (Shaw) Basness. She grew up in Blooming Prairie, MN, graduating high school in 1965. After high school, Barbara attended the University of Minnesota. While attending college, she met the love of her life, Steven Nelson. 

On March 16, 1968, Barbara and Steve were married in Austin, MN. In 1970, the couple moved to Camarillo, California, after living in Hawaii where Steve was stationed for the Navy. While living in California, Barbara and Steve owned a commercial photography studio in Hollywood. She helped Steve secure clients and made sure they had everything they needed. Barb along with her husband Steve were very active in helping to keep open an intercountry adoption agency in Ventura County, California, called Adoption Services International. Through this program they would be able to adopt their two Korean children. 

In 1987, Barbara and Steve moved to Underwood, MN, calling the area home. For the next 13 years she was able to put her typesetting skills to use by becoming the editor and advertising manager for Lakeshore News. Barbara became a licensed realtor and worked for Luhman Real Estate, Bold Realty, and Century 21. In 1999, Steve planted their first grape vines that would grow into the 6 acres of grapes on their 94-acre farm. In 2022, Barb and Steve opened Laughing Otter Winery that is currently being run by their children and grandchildren. 

Barbara enjoyed growing her own herbs, cooking, and shopping. She loved real estate and helping people find the right home. Her biggest love was raising her kids and being part of all the milestones and big moments in their lives. She also took great enjoyment in reading her Bible and being a servant of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. 

Barbara is survived by her husband, Steve; daughter, Corissa (Zack) Herr; son, Casey Nelson; grandchildren, Tyler Herr, Raven Herr, and Ezra Herr; brother, Scott (Sandra) Basness; niece, Sheena (Joe) Prizler, and their children; niece, Sydney (Brandon) Nelson; nephew, Stephen (Emma) Basness, and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Gladys; and her sister, Karen Walvatne.