May 6, 1924 - February 14, 2026
Barbara Anne Gonnella
(nee Swanstrom)
Age 101, of Rosemount, formerly of Richfield and Bloomington, MN. Born May 6, 1924 and died February 14, 2026. Survived by sons, Joe and Peter (Debbie); grandchildren, Sarah, Leah (Jordan) Easley, Mark (Ashley), Ruth (Vincent) Trinidad, Luke (Alison Fisch-Gonnella), and Paul (Amanda); great-grandchildren, Magdalena, Jane, Abigail, Marshall, Malachi, Olivia, Martha, Maisie, and Lincoln; and many other loving family members and friends. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph C. Gonnella, Jr; daughter-in-law, Pamela Gonnella; parents, Arthur and Gertrude Swanstrom; and brother, Arthur W. Swanstrom.
Barbara graduated from West High in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. She worked for the FBI. She felt it was her duty to be happy and she succeeded, despite occasionally trying circumstances. She and her husband traveled extensively around the world. She played bridge and cribbage until the day of her death. She was kind, fun-loving, and generous, a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a friend to all.
Memorials preferred to Living Well Disability Services.
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 11, 2026
11:00AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran Church
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Live-stream link will be available here.
My most pleasant memories are: she always greeted you into her house with the biggest smile and welcoming hello. Her ability to pack 3 guys with golf clubs into her Volkswagen Beetle and drive us to Hiawatha golf courses was a work of art. She was such a fun and caring lady, her memories will always stay with me!!!!