Barbara Thorstenson
Barbara J. Thorstenson, 53, of Waukon passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 23, 2026, at her home in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Barbara Jean Thorstenson was born September 1, 1972, in Decorah, the daughter of Orlando and Donna (Gelo) Moen. She was baptized and confirmed at Glenwood Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. Barb grew up on a farm with horses and with her siblings Lori and Robert. She graduated from Decorah High School where she excelled in Flag Corps, represented DECA at the State Convention, and later received first place at the National Convention in San Francisco, CA. She also attended McConnell School of Business in Minneapolis, MN.
October 18, 1991, she married Bradley Thorstenson at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon. They had two daughters, Jessica and Rebecca.
Barb was known for her spunky and adventurous attitude. She dedicated her life to her daughters, family, friends, and church. Barb loved camping at Yellow River Forest, where many family memories were made dear to our hearts.
She loved long hikes, fishing, sitting in the creek, and cooking over the campfire.
When Barb was not in the woods, you could find her at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church. Known as the “Potato Queen,” she helped create the deliciousness of the yearly meatball supper which she took great pride in. Barb also loved filling all the little bellies at Vacation Bible School with her homemade BBQs, mac and cheese, and pancakes. She helped teach Sunday school for a number of years and volunteered with Confirmation.
One of her other passions was helping her girls with 4-H and showing dairy cows. Even after her girls were grown, Barb continued to help the next generation of kids coming into 4-H. She fell in love with photography, where over the years she snapped many memories for others and her family. Barb believed pictures were always important to have.
She will forever be remembered as the first dancer on the floor, and for her love for ‘80s and country music. Barb enjoyed singing in the kitchen while she was doing dishes, was willing to do any craft no matter what kind of mess it would cause, and the unconditional love she had for her girls and her grandbabies.
Survivors include her daughters, Jessica (Nick) Wild and Rebecca Thorstenson; two grandsons, Henry and Cordell Wild; her mother Donna (Dale Bodensteiner) Moen; her sister Lori (Arthur) Iseli and her family; and her brother Robert (Dena) Moen and his family. She is preceded in death by her father Orlando Moen; a brother Orlando Clarence Moen, Jr.; and her grandparents George and Helen Gelo and Clarence and Arlene Moen.
Barb is still loved by so many and missed by so many. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
