Barbara "Barb" Ogren

Barbara “Barb” Ogren, age 67, of Appleton, passed away Saturday in Appleton Area Health Services –Hospital.  The Ogren’s will greet family and friends on Thursday, July 7th from 4PM to 7PM, at Zniewski Funeral Home –Vaala Chapel in Appleton.   A private family service will be held at a later date.

Barbara Kay Ogren was born to Oliver and Gloria (Golden) Tvedt on December 30th, 1948 in Montevideo, Minnesota.  She was baptized and confirmed at Big Bend Lutheran Church.  Barb attended country school in West Bank Township until sixth grade when she then attended school in Appleton.

Barb worked at the Rainbow Cafe in Holloway where she met her husband, Richard.  They married on March 4th, 1967 at Big Bend Lutheran Church.  Barb and Dick were blessed with a daughter, Jill.  She worked for several years at Fingerhut in Benson and Carlson Doll Factory in Watson.  Barb then started ‘antiquing’ and selling antiques and collectibles at flea markets all over Minnesota.  She and Dick traveled as far as Texas and Chicago with their flea market business.  Later, she also worked in housekeeping at the Appleton Clinic.

Barb was known for being a caring, generous, and a kind person who led a selfless life.  Even as a child she demonstrated this, as she would babysit for her cousins but then spend her earnings to buy them treats at the local store.  When she saw someone in need, she helped them without being asked.

She loved spending time with her two grandchildren and accompanied them to many garage sales and county fairs.  Barb would take time to play “cars” with her great-grandson whenever he asked.  She was very active and was known for her high speed walk.  She was often seen walking a little dog.  Barbara had a special place in her heart for dogs, especially Redd and Mya.

Barbara passed away after a 13-year long battle with cancer on Saturday July 2, 2016 at Appleton Area Health Services.  In her giving nature, she bequeathed her body to the University of Minnesota for medical education and research.  She is survived by her husband, Richard, of Appleton; daughter, Jill (Shawn) Swenson of Appleton; mother, Gloria Johnson of Montevideo; 2 grandchildren: Quinn and Courtney Swenson; 1 great-grandchild, Aiden Weber; siblings: Jerry (Ember) Tvedt of Lakeville and Debra (Jeff) Cole of Big Bend; step-siblings: Carol, Bev, Julie, Lois, Steve and Rick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Barb was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Tvedt; grandparents, Ruben and Hanstina Golden and Ole and Anna Tvedt; and brother, Dale Tvedt.

Blessed be the memory of Barbara Kay Ogren.