Barbara Lee Szech, 85 Eagle Bend, MN August 21, 1941 – August 30, 2026 passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the Nelson Care Center in Alexandria, Minnesota.  

Barbara was born on August 21st, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Richard and Lois Hallbom. Barbara attended school in Chicago and graduated from Senn High School in 1959. On September 19, 1959, she married Stephen C. Szech Jr. at the Swedish Covenant Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago. Barbara worked several years for Kemper Insurance in Chicago, and even went on to win their beauty pageant, winning first prize. Shortly thereafter, she and Stephen began their family, having the first of four children. They later moved to Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago, but after only a few years made the life-changing decision to move to Minnesota to begin a new life with their family.  

Living in Minnesota brought many wonderful changes and challenges into their lives, and Barbara and her family met them willingly. This is where she learned and enjoyed the process of canning their homegrown vegetables, making use of her sewing talents to save on clothing, and caring for the many farm animals that were usually pets. This is where she also found her love of mowing grass, as there was ample yard space, and loved driving the mower around for hours. Barbara enjoyed cooking as well and added many more wonderful dishes to her expertise over the years. She also enjoyed tole painting, knitting and even dabbled in making quilts. She also enjoyed making ceramics and did an outstanding job of painting her finished pieces with exquisite detail. Most of all, however, she enjoyed organizing the many family gatherings and holiday meals with everyone at her home. Ever the hostess, she never tired of having all the kids running around at Grandma’s house, playing, eating and having fun. Barbara and Stephen were the perfect grandparents, making an effort to be a part of everyone’s lives, each and every day.  

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stephen C. Szech, Jr.; her sister, Diane Schneider, and her infant son.  

Barbara is survived by her children, Douglas of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Deanna (Jim) Polzin of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Daniel (Wendy) Szech of Alexandria, Minnesota and Dustin (Kristin) Szech of NowThen, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Joshua (Eden) Szech, Anthony Szech, Nicole (Jacob) Braun, Hannah (Derek) Eberle, Isabelle (Brad) Swenson, Ryan Polzin, Annika Szech and Soren Szech; five great-grandchildren, Haven Eberle, Liam Eberle, Beckham Eberle, James Braun and Mae Braun; sister, Jan (Steve) Martin of Huntington Beach, California. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at 11:00AM at the Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend, Minnesota, officiated by Kali Christensen followed by a celebration of Barbara’s life.  

Blessed be her memory.