Carole “June” Edson, 92, Barron, passed away peacefully Monday, October 30, 2023 surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Born April 11, 1931 to Harold and Cora (Swanson) Bjugstad, Barron, June graduated from Barron High School in 1949. On June 17, 1951 she married the love of her life and best friend, Jack Edson.

June grew up on the family farm north of Barron, which is now the Country Lane Farm. The farmer’s market there has been a favorite place for family to meet and reminisce over the past several years.

June is fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. A lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Barron, she faithfully served as organist (70 years), choir member, WELCA and circle member, and teacher.

June’s passion in life, second only to her family, was music. Starting at an early age, she was an accomplished organist, pianist and vocalist at home, church, and school, teaching piano to countless children in the Barron area for many years. As a lifetime member of the Barron Federated Music Club, she served in many leadership positions, attending her last meeting on October 2, 2023.

Alongside her husband, June was instrumental in the daily business operations of Edson’s Department Store, managing the majority of merchandise buying. Jack often mentioned that the business would not have been successful without her involvement.

Spending time at their Silver Lake cabin with family and friends was a joy for June, Jack and the rest of the “J’s”. Always together, she and Jack were avid travelers and especially loved their annual ski trips with family and friends, skiing well into their 60’s.

Her love of cooking and baking and the art of lefse making has been passed down to her children and grandchildren.

A devoted mother to her family, June is survived by children, Janelle (Peter) Halverson of Oakdale, MN, Jeffrey (Purita) Edson of Lake Geneva, WI, Julie (Chris) Geason of Plymouth, MN, Joan (Bill) Reichwald of North Oaks, MN and Jean (Jim) Wick of Cumberland.

She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon Ronning and Jerilyn (Gord) Wibbens; and brother, Wayne Bjugstad, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in 2013; grandsons, Corbin Wick, Justin Nesvold and Thomas Reichwald; sister, Donna Lenbom; brothers-in-law, Jim Lenbom and Don Ronning.

A memorial service for June will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Barron. Visitation will be at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at Firstlutheran-barron.org. Burial will be at Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Church Organ Fund or Barron Federated Music Club.

Arrangements handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 03, 2023 2:37 pm CDT