Barbara Ann (Kelly) Axelson, 88, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on October 16th, 2026. She was born in Illinois on December 12, 1938, to Walter and Lillian (Scully) Kelly. In 1960, she married Raymond C. Axleson. They were blessed with 3 children, Stephen, Kevin, and Elizabeth. Barbara attended Northwestern University in Chicago and graduated at the top of her class. She went on to have a career in publishing and the marketing-trade show business. She lived in Minneapolis, Chicago and retired in Egg Harbor, WI in 2010 with her husband Ray. He preceded her in death in 2021. Barbara was a devout Christian. Her strong faith was reflected in her kind heartedness and passion for helping others. She was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her son Stephen and daughter Elizabeth who both live in Illinois. She is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Kelly (Johnnie) Jiron and Stephaine (George) Bedford, and a great granddaughter Aubrie and a great grandson Landon. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Kevin in 2022, brother John and sister Peggy. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at the Ephraim Moravian Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is serving the family.