Barbara Haslerud

Barbara J. (LePak) Haslerud, age 70, of Duluth, died on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from angiosarcoma, two months  after her diagnosis. She died peacefully at home surrounded by  her loving family. She was born in Duluth on October 12, 1951, to Bernard Paul and Barbara (Swor) LePak. Barb was a 1969 graduate of Duluth Cathedral High School. She attended UMD and worked at St. Mary's Hospital as a unit clerk transcriber.  She married Charles Albert Haslerud on August 4, 1973, at First Lutheran Church. After having children, she chose to stay home  and dedicate her time to raising her two daughters, Heather and     Kathryn. Barb later returned to a successful career in sales at American Chicle Company and Russel Stover Candies. In her 50's, Barb returned to school to prepare her for a new career, graduating with honors from WITC's Certified Medical Assistant    program. She worked for 10 years as a CMA in Essentia Health's weight management department, retiring in 2017. Barb  dearly enjoyed her relationships and friendships with her colleagues and those relationships carried on into her retirement years. In 2009, Barb was named Essentia Health's Employee of the Year, one of her biggest honors. Barb cherished time with her family, especially her husband and all      of her granddaughters. She valued her time and closeness with her sisters and their traditional Saturday lunches. She adored her many close friends and loved them all dearly. Her family and friends have all shared stories of how caring and loving Barb was, always putting others before herself. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining at home. An avid walker, she enjoyed Hawk’s               Ridge, Brighton Beach, beaches in Port Aransas, TX and walking over some of the most beautiful bridges in the country. Barb was a member of First Lutheran Church. She was  preceded in death by her parents. Barb is survived by her husband Charles; her two daughters: Heather (Mike) Shetka of Plymouth, MN and Kathryn (Eric) Johnson of Duluth; four grandchildren: Gabriella and Josephine Shetka, and Olivia and Kendall Johnson; four sisters: Stephanie (John) Brostrom of Duluth, Patricia Jackson of Duluth; Kimberly (Leonard) Schiller of Barnes, WI and Krista (Davin) Mickelson of White Bear Lake, MN; her stepmother Susan LePak of Duluth; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 24th from 5-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Friday, March 25th from 10-11am followed with a memorial service at 11am at First Lutheran Church, 1100 East Superior Street, in Duluth.         A private burial service will be at Park Hill Cemetery at a later date. Barb's family would like to thank the Essentia Health Oncology and Hospice staff for the care they provided.  If so desired, memorials may be directed to the Angiosarcoma Project (www.cureasc.org) or a non-profit of your choice. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth, 218-727-3555.