Barbara K. Balster

Barbara (Sunde) Balster, age 61 of Brainerd, passed away on March 15, 2026 at her home. She was born on April 29, 1964 in Crosby to William and Charlotte (Lange) Sunde. Barb was united in marriage to Dean Balster on June 11, 1994 in Nisswa.

Barb was a retired Radiological Technician with Essentia St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd and Tri County Community Hospital in Wadena. She happily started a second career at Super One in Baxter and was recently promoted to Deli Manager at Super One in Pequot Lakes. Barb was active in AA and proudly led meetings at the Focus Unit and Grace Unit at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

Barb is survived by her son, Alex (Adam) Balster of Brainerd; her daughters, Nicole (Ryan) Goehring of Herreid, S.D. and Sophie (Nicole) Tucker of Pequot Lakes; one sister, Marianne (Robert) McLaughlin of Deerwood; three grandchildren, Molly, Madison and Chase Goehring and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Barb in death are her parents; her husband, Dean; and one sister, Susan Iverson.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Luminary at Northern Pacific on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Food and snacks will be available as well as a cash bar. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.