Barbara Couillard

Barbara Couillard, 87, formerly of Breckenridge MN, passed away on June 9, 2026 at Edgewood in Brainerd, MN where she had lived for the last two years.

Barbara Jean DeVries was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, in Breckenridge to Elmer and Inez (Keeney) DeVries of Wahpeton, ND. Barbara graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1957 as the salutatorian of her class. She attended one year at Concordia College in St. Paul, MN. While at Concordia, she met her future husband, Dale Couillard. They were married on October 4,1958 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND. They lived in Wahpeton while Dale attended NDSSS. After graduation, they moved to Red Lake Falls, MN and later to Pelican Rapids, MN. Barbara did part time office work while raising her family. Barbara moved to Moorhead, MN after the passing of Dale in 1984. She worked several years at Beltone Hearing Aid Center in Fargo until her retirement. She then moved to Breckenridge where she lived until 2024.

Barbara had a strong faith and was active in church activities including Sunday School, Bible School, Bible studies, Ladies Circle, quilting and serving groups. Barbara was an avid reader. She kept long lists of books she had read and books still on her reading list. She enjoyed writing and receiving letters, baking, and sewing. Together, Dale and Barbara enjoyed square dancing and camping with family. Barbara cherished her family and friends and the time that she spent with them.

Barbara is survived by her children: Kathleen (Roger) Johnson, Brainerd, MN; Joel (Kathleen) Couillard, Lino Lakes, MN; and Ha (Lien) Le, Grand Prairie, TX. Five grandchildren: Garrett (Jan) Johnson, Brandt (Miho) Johnson, Kayla (Kao) Johnson, Kelly (Michael) Couillard, and Lauren (Gideon) Couillard. Ten great-grandchildren: Teddy, June, Jack, Julie, Kent, Alisa, Lincoln, Eleanor, Arlo, and Emmet.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; daughter Faith Couillard; parents Elmer and Inez DeVries, in-laws Raymond and Norma Couillard; sister Connie Smith, brothers Gene DeVries and James DeVries.

Celebration of Life: June 30,2026 at 2:00 pm at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, Breckenridge, MN. Visitation will take place for one hour before the service.