Celebration of Life Service for Barb will be held on June 13, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Sisseton, SD with a luncheon to follow at St. Peter's Hall. There will be no burial at this time.

Obituary for Barbara Doris Truesdell

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Doris Truesdell at the age of 83, on January 18, 2026. She departed this world peacefully in her home. Barbara Doris Truesdell of Sisseton, South Dakota, was born on December 8, 1942, in Martin, Minnesota, to Clyde and Viola (Tortellot) Gettler. She was a beloved grandmother, mother, sister, cherished friend, and a respected member of the community.

Life and Legacy

Barbara dedicated her life to reading, painting, knitting and even wrote a children's book. Known for her creativity and artistic spirit, she enjoyed a good card game and loved to play bingo. A passionate traveler, Barbara explored the world with a sense of wonder and joy. Every year, she ensured she visited her best friend and sister, Carol Guillaume, and then traveled to Arizona to see her beloved brother Jerry Gettler. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of many with her kindness and acts of service, often volunteering at nursing homes, senior centers, and donating to several foundations. She loved to read scriptures in the Bible.

She met John Truesdell, her devoted husband, in Sherburn, Minnesota, and they were happily married for 57 years. Together, they raised five children: David Truesdell, Cheri Spielman, Theresa White, Paul Truesdell, and Mark Truesdell. Barbara was also a proud grandmother to Danielle (Joel) and their children Ashlyn, Jace, Stettson, and Sawyer, Emily and her son Braxton; Josh Spielman and his children Ayden, Nolyn Blaze, and Memphis; Clint Spielman and his children Sutton, Gauge, and Ryker; Darin Spielman and his children Dayton and Leven; Jason (Meranda) Holman and their children Brooklyn, Brody, Arianna, and Brianna; Savannah Beck and her children Whitney (Austin) Schlagel and their children Leo and Miles, Isabelle, Parker, and Harper; and Ricki (Jared) Herniman and their children Mason and Violet. In 1979, she moved to Sisseton, South Dakota, and worked at Cenex and A&C Variety Store. Barb also enjoyed hosting Mary Kay parties in her home.

Remembering Barbara Doris Truesdell

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by David (Rhonda) Truesdell, Cheri Spielman, Theresa (Richard) While, and many grandchildren; her sister Carol (Mark) Guillaume; and her brother Kenny (Jeanie) Guttler. She is preceded in death by her husband John Truesdell; sons Paul and Mark; parents Clyde and Viola Gettler; brothers Jerry, Roy, and Wayne Gettler; and sister Dorie Gettler.

Services

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held on June 13, 12:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Cemetery, Sisseton, South Dakota with lunch to follow at Rosalie's Restaurant in Sisseton. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend and celebrate Barbara Doris Truesdell's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Fondation in Barbara's honor. We invite everyone who knew Barbara Doris Truesdell to share their memories and stories, keeping her spirit alive in our hearts. She will be forever cherished and never forgotten.