Barbara A. Appleby (née Berg)

Barb was born in New Ulm, MN to Leo and Claire (Peuser) Berg.

She graduated in 1977 from New Ulm Cathedral High School, and then attended Brainerd Community College.

In 1984 Barb married Bill Appleby, and they resided in Maplewood, MN.

She worked for Xcel Energy for 25 years and retired in 2017.

Barb’s hobbies included; book club, crocheting, collecting art, playing in a dart league for the blind, and caring for her various seeing eye dogs over the years. However, most of all she loved animals and traveling.

In addition to contracting Type 1 diabetes as a child, which led to Barb losing her sight, she had several other major health issues over her lifetime, but through it all, she never complained and fought each battle head on and with courage. Many people that knew Barb admired her drive and determination to overcome all her life’s challenges.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Appleby; father, Leo Berg of New Ulm, MN; sisters, Patty (Ken) Osborne of Sartell, MN, Liz (Keith) Cooper of New Ulm, MN; niece, Samantha Steve; nephews, Parker Osborne, Alex Cooper, Austin Cooper; and best friend and traveling partner, Wendi O'Neil.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Claire Berg.

A local memorial service for Barb is pending.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Barb’s name to Guide Dogs For The Blind, PO Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915, or to the MN Humane Society, 475 N. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104.