Obituary of Barbara Jean Running DePaulis

Barbara Jean Running DePaulis, 79, of Biwabik, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2016 in her daughter Terri's home in Aurora after a short battle with cancer. Barb was born on April 30, 1937 in Duluth to Lloyd and Florence Running. While waitressing in the Maid-Rite Restaurant in Virginia, she caught the eye of Albert DePaulis, who became the love of her life. Their first date was at the Cook Timber Days where they were drenched by rain. On Nov. 9, 1956, Barb married Albert in Watertown, S.D. Albert and Barb spent many happy years in Hutter raising their children and making wonderful friends. They moved to Aurora in 1974. Over the years, Barb, Barbie or Little Mama to her co-workers, made awesome burgers at the local A&W and warmed many hearts with her soups at Giant's Ridge. Barb enjoyed going out to dinner and to the casino, but she often said the machines were tight. She had an eye for purses and pretty, colorful sweaters. She found great joy in the time she spent with her family. She will be missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents, Lloyd and Florence Running; brothers, Robert and Lloyd Jr.; sister-in-law, Joanne Running; son-in-law, LaVern Ulesich. Barb is survived by her daughters, Terri (Mark) Crep of Aurora, Ginger Ulesich of Springfield, Mo., Kimberley (Ted) Schurter of Edgar, Wis.; son, Kurt (Lisa) DePaulis of Eveleth; stepson, Larry (Susie) DePaulis of Nashwauk; grandchildren, Anthony (Eve) Crep, Phillip, Morgan and Isabella Ulesich, Karlee Muonio, Savannah Schurter, Lauren and Maija DePaulis, Jerry, Scott and Brian DePaulis; great-grandchildren, Amelia and Oliver Crep; brothers, Russell (Jessie) and Ronald; sister-in-law, Doris Running; many step grandchildren; cousins and very special nieces and nephews (who brought her joy each time they crossed paths). Barb also leaves behind her special friends Pat Oberg, Betty Houtkooper and Carolyn DePaulis. Barbara's family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Brian and the excellent team from the Northeast MN Essentia Health Hospice. Thank you to each one of you for your compassion and support. Thanks to the Cremation Society of MN. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Aurora Community Center. All our family and friends are welcome to join us.