Barbara Kay Janzen

Barbara “BK” Janzen, 82, Devils Lake, ND died on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Essentia Health in Fargo. 

Services will be held on Friday, September 12th at 10:00 am at St. Olafs Lutheran Church in Devils Lake. Buriel will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow in the church dining hall.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Yali, Scott Bachmeier Jr., Kaden Brandvold, Alex Brandvold, Bradley Davidson and Craig Anderson.

Barbara was born on March 17, 1943 to Alvin and Cora Anderson in Devils Lake, ND. She attended school at St. Mary’s in Devils Lake. Barbara married Ernest Brandvold on June 18, 1960 at St. Olafs Church in Devils Lake. They lived in Devils Lake, ND before moving to Minot, ND and then onto Eureka, CA. They had four children Kay, Cheryl, Renae & Duane. Barbara returned to Devils Lake and later married Bruce Kunkel and they lived in Southam, ND until Bruce’s passing. Barbara was married to Albert Janzen on August 3rd, 1984 and they lived in Devils Lake, ND. Barbara was a born caregiver and that showed in her work as a CNA. Barbara worked for the Lutheran Home in Devils Lake for 35 years until she retired.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and anytime she got to be with all of them she would have the biggest smile on her face that could light up a room. Barbara had a big heart and loved deeply; she would do anything for anybody even when times were tough. Barbara enjoyed her trips out to the casino and cruising the countryside checking out the sights and scenery.

Barbara is survived by her children, Kay (Scott)Bachmeier of Devils Lake; Cheryl (Late Tim) Miller of Fargo, ND; Renae (Kevin) Yali of Crary, ND; Duane (Heather) Brandvold of Devils Lake; Step Son JR (Jackie) Brandvold, Quincy, CA. Grandchildren Katie Brandvold, Kim Brandvold, Scott (Tifani) Bachmeier, David Yali, Kaden Brandvold, Alex Brandvold, Step grandchild Dominick Brandvold. Four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Sisters Karen Setter of Fargo, ND; Lili (Todd) Trangsrud of Devils Lake, ND; Ethel Anderson of Abercrombie, ND; Cindy Rham of Wahpeton, ND. Sister-in-law Peggy Anderson of Stanley, ND. Brother Conrad (Barb) Anderson of St. Cloud, MN. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents; brother Gilman Anderson; infant sister Kimberly Anderson; husbands Ernest Brandvold, Bruce Kunkel and Albert Janzen; Grandson Daniel Yali; brothers-in-law Leo Setter and David Rham.

Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, is in charge of arrangements.