Barbara Stussy

Barbara Louise (Runge) Stussy, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on June 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Barbara was born on April 1, 1937, she was later adopted by her loving parents, LeRoy and Rachel Runge. As she grew up, Barbara attended nursing school at St. Mary's Hospital and worked as a nurse until her retirement at 78 years old from Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home in Rochester, MN. Barbara loved nursing and felt it was a calling that perfectly matched her instinct to care for others.

In Rochester, Barbara met her "Freddie", Fred Thomas Stussy, a young man from Pine Island, at the Heidelberg bar. They shared 65 years of laughter and marriage and together, they raised their daughter, Stephanie.

Barbara found much joy in gardening. She loved tending to her flowers and plants and at one point even added a small koi fish pond as a feature of her backyard garden. She also loved sharing hobbies with her friends, like hunting antiquing all over the midwest and more specifically, shopping at Talbots. Additionally, Barbara was also deeply committed to service and love for her country. She was an active and dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held leadership roles at both the 3rd District and state levels. Her work with the Auxiliary reflected her lifelong devotion to supporting veterans, strengthening her community, and honoring the values she and Fred shared.

To her daughter and granddaughters, Barbara was known for her love of family. She always made Christmas in Minnesota feel warm with care in how she carefully decorated their home and wrapped presents specifically personalized for each grandchild, a tradition Stephanie keeps today. Barbara made all her family cookie recipes and roast that made even the pickiest eaters eat all the carrots!

Barbara Stussy is survived by her daughter Stephanie; granddaughters Delaney, Molly, and Sunny; and great-grandson Durian. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred, and by cherished parents, LeRoy and Rachel Runge, who now welcome her to her final rest.

A funeral service honoring Barbara's life will be held on July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Rochester. Burial will follow at the Pine Island Cemetery, with a reception afterward at the American Legion in Pine Island, a place deeply connected to the Stussy family's history and community.

The Family would like to extend their immense gratitude to our unwavering caregivers Jean, Tessa, and Jerrica. Additionally, we would like to thank the remarkable team at Mayo Hospice who provided such comfort to Barbara in her final days.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stussy family.