Barbra Caroline Hassel, 74, Twin Valley, MN, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Friday, December 19, 2014, at Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN. She was born on February 4, 1940, to Lloyd and Bertha (Flaw) Ystenes in Mahnomen, MN. Barbra was a baptized and later confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal. She attended Oak Grove Country School near her home until 1951, when she continued her education and graduated from the Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1958.
On July 5, 1958, Barbra was united in marriage to Lloyd Hassel at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN. They moved to Minneapolis, MN, in 1962. Barbra cared for her children, while working at various part time jobs. In 1963, she graduated from the Minneapolis Business College. Barbra began a long career, about 25 years, working at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. In 1981, her husband, Lloyd, died. Barbra moved to North Hollywood, CA, for three years before returning to Minneapolis in 1989. She was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank and retired in 1995. Barbra moved to a home she bought near Twin Valley, MN. In 2004, Barbra earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree and worked in area nursing homes.
Being in the outdoors always brought life to Barbra. She loved her gardens of vegetables and flowers. Caring for her lawn and trees gave her a sense of accomplishment. Dogs were a big part of Barbra's life and she loved each of them. In the early mornings, she would sit on her back porch as the sun rose over the horizon and watch the deer graze. Her greatest love in life has been her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Barbra is survived by two sons: Lynn, Minneapolis, MN and Bryan (Shirley), Bejou, MN; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her longtime companion, Joe Walker, Twin Valley; three sisters: Lenora Hanson, Detroit Lakes, MN; Linda (Roger) Hagen, West Fargo, ND; and Charlotte (Raymond) Kraft, Gary, MN; and several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two infants: baby girl Hassel (1962) and baby boy Hassel (1965) and one brother, Lloyd Ystenes Jr.

Funeral: 11:00 Saturday, December 27, 2014, Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.

Visitation: Friday from 5-7PM at Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, and one hour before the funeral at the church.