Barbara Moilanen Obituary Barbara Jean (Peterson) Moilanen October 18, 1942 April 9, 2025 Barb faced her cancer battle with incredible strength and grace before passing on April 9th, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 18, 1942, to Cleon and Sadie Peterson, Barb graduated from Brainerd High School and spent her entire life in the Brainerd area. Barb is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Roger Moilanen; her children, Denise (David) Nord, Ann (Kevin) Koep and Alicia (Chris) Brownell; 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren with the sixth to be born in June. She is also survived by her sisters, Pam (Jim) Knutson, Sandy (Alan) Newman and Carole (Denny) Bollig. Barb is preceded in death, by her parents Cleon and Sadie Peterson; and her brother Terrance Peterson. Barb leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. A woman of enduring faith, Barb was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she gave her heart and time. She taught faith formation for 15 years, served as church secretary for 21 years, and sang joyfully in the church choir, as well as being a member of the acapella choir as a junior in High School. It was evident Mom loved to sing sitting next to her at Sunday morning service. Barb was the heart of her familyvibrant, determined, and full of life; she was not one to sit around. She found joy in the simple things, the presence and laughter of her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She loved attending any event her children and grandchildren participated in. Her home was a warm haven, filled with the smells of home-cooked meals, and plenty of wonderful desserts. Barbs creativity and talent were woven into various phases of her life. A genuinely gifted seamstress, she lovingly crafted everything from barbie doll clothes, her sisters wedding dress along with wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses for all three of her daughters. She ran her own drapery business from home, balancing her role as an entrepreneur with her dedication to being a full-time mother and homemaker, a role she filled perfectly. She even sewed a new uniform for the entire Kixter Danceline. Barb cherished time spent with family and friendson many snowmobiling adventures, family camping trips, and numerous excursions with the Corvette Club. There were regular visits to Florida, Branson, MO and a variety of "Sister Trips." She was a woman of remarkable strength, especially in her battle with cancer. Her determination and grace never wavered, and she met each challenge along the cancer journey with courage that inspired everyone around her, including her doctors. "To quit fighting, is to give up." Barb was full of grace and beauty; and had a polished quality about her that never faded. To know Barb is to think of her love for hummingbirds. Her spirit lives on in the traditions she started and the family she held so dear. While Barb will be enormously missed, we are grateful that she is now at peace and free from pain. Services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26th at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with lunch served after. Friends and family are welcome to gather for Visitation one hour prior to Services. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd. In lieu of flowers, it was Barbs wish that donations be made to the Zion Lutheran Building Fund-220 No. 8th St; Brainerd, MN 56401; or to Kidney Cancer research- kidneycancer.org. Link to the Livestream: Zion Lutheran Church Brainerd - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurchbrainerd6458