1942 – Jerome Eldon Barstad – 2017
Jerome Eldon Barstad was born December 10, 1942 in Slayton, Minnesota to Ernest Christian Barstad and Ione Hazel (Carlson) Barstad. He was baptized on July 10, 1955 at The Lake Shetek Baptist Bible Camp and was a member of The Lake Sarah Baptist Church. He graduated from Slayton High School in May 1960. Upon graduation he began farming alongside his father on the family farm. On June 5, 1965 he married Dianne Lynn Engberg. After their marriage they established their first home on a farm just a few miles from his parent’s farm. Upon his father’s passing in 1970, he and Dianne eventually moved onto the home farm, the place where he had spent his childhood. It was here that they would spend the next 45 years of their lives farming, raising their family and enjoying the addition of 15 grandchildren. He felt fortunate to raise his family on the same farm that he had spent his childhood. He wanted his grandchildren to enjoy the same farm experience that he and his children had enjoyed. His final wish was to spend his final days at this lifelong home. Jerome spent his entire life on the farm, a life he wouldn’t have traded for anything. Although he officially retired from farming, there were aspects of farming that he continued to enjoy. Nothing made him happier than helping a special neighbor with the fall harvest. This was an experience he had hoped to experience one last time this fall season. Retirement also allowed him time to spend having morning coffee with friends at local establishments. Time that he had to resurrect his childhood passion for horses. Time to reconnect with family and friends that prior to retirement he may not have had the time of which he desired. But most importantly time to spend with his grandchildren on the farm and the lake. Nothing brought him greater joy than bringing back all the childhood toys and memories that his own children had experienced. This included three-wheelers, snowmobiles, gator rides, horses, and boating to name just a few. Jerome passed away at his rural farm home in Slayton, Minnesota on November 8, 2017 after a courageous two-month battle with pancreatic cancer. During this two month battle he was surrounded and supported by his family and many close friends. He was 74 years old. He was a proud grandpa and he will be greatly missed!
Jerome lived a full life and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dianne Engberg Barstad; four children: son Jeffrey Barstad (Slayton, MN); daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Kevin Like (Leawood, KS); daughter and son-in-law Kamela and Rich Chicoine (Ann Arbor, MI); son and daughter-in-law Jade and Sarah Barstad (Aberdeen, SD). In addition to his wife and children he will be greatly missed by his 15 grandchildren: Kelsey, Dylan, and Jaelen (Slayton, MN); Hunter, Brityn, Sawyer and Rilynne (Leawood, KS); Kendra, Kylan, Kassie and Beau (Ann Arbor, MI); Brookelynn, Brianne, Lauryn and Landon (Aberdeen, SD); in addition: sister and brother-in-law Erna and Glenn Peterson, sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Rex Clevenger, brother–in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Sharon Engberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Robert, Daniel and infant brother Barstad.
Memorial services will be held at Lake Sarah Baptist Church in rural Slayton, MN on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m with Pastor John Lassen officiating. The honorary pallbearers are Roger Rice, Gary Johnson, Dale Peterson, Rodney Lundeen, Floyd Radke, Doug Rupp, Norbert Schmitz, and Doug Schmitz. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
