Jean Phyllis Walstad

Walstad, Jean P   June 21, 1926 – May 15, 2025

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother & Great Grandmother.

Passed away peacefully on May 15th at her home surrounded by family at the age of 98

Mom was the center of our family having unconditional love for all, with dignity, grace, and laughter. She taught us right from wrong, to be kind, to always be accepting of everyone, and to have a zest for life. She enjoyed traveling, playing games, square dancing, and especially attending family events. She always put others before herself. She was willingly open to doing fun things – no matter how silly she looked. With an independent and youthful attitude most people could not believe her real age.

Jean was born in Hillsboro, ND and grew up on a family farm. After graduating high school, she moved to Fargo, ND, and attended Interstate Business College where she met her soulmate in Leonard Walstad. They were married on November 19, 1948, and enjoyed over 63 years together until Len’s passing in 2012. 

Len working for the Northern Pacific Railroad meant many transfers and moves including to Fargo, St. Paul, Tacoma WA, Duluth, and finally to North St. Paul in 1965 where they spent the next 2 decades. She worked as a secretary for the NSP police department. They built a retirement lake home in Barnes, WI, and moved there full-time in 1983. In 2003 they sold the WI property and moved to a townhouse in White Bear Township where she remained until her passing.

They were both very active in their church, Sons of Norway, Masonic Lodge, & many other community organizations. Jean and Len traveled extensively including trips to Europe and China. They spent several years wintering in California and later acquired a second home in Mesa, AZ.

Survived by children Kathy (Bruce) Kuehl, Joan Bohmert, David (Judy) Walstad; grandchildren Janine (Arthur) Ying, Michelle (James) Skubic, Amy (Robert) Placensia, Tracy Kuehl (Joe Valadez), Alexis Walstad, Kelsey (Joe) Beisman; great grandchildren Alyssa, Jackson, Owen, and Wyatt. Preceded in death by parents Peder and Gelina Bakkum, husband Leonard Walstad, and brothers Earle and Dale Bakkum.

Service Thursday 5/29, 3:00 pm with visitation one hour prior at Sandberg Funeral Home, 2593 E. 7th Ave., North St. Paul. Following the service a reception will be held at the Comfort Inn, 3505 Vadnais Center Dr, Vadnais Heights, MN. Interment Friday 5/30, 12:30 pm at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.