Barbara Ann Helen O'Reilly (Kachelmeier)

Barbara Ann Helen O’Reilly (Kachelmeier) went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Barbara Ann was born on December 17, 1946 to Orville & Agnes (McCabe) Gjerde in St. Peter, MN.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1801 W Broadway, St. Peter, MN 56082. Visitation 9-11am with Mass Service at 11am. Lunch and burial service will follow.

Barbara Ann was a 1965 graduate of St. Peter HS and later successfully completed Cosmetology School in Mankato.

Barbara also worked as beautician at Ada’s Beauty Shop and nursing assistant in St. Peter.

Barbara Ann was a dedicated servant in her Catholic faith. She was active in the church choirs in both Nicollet & St. Peter parishes.

Barbara was always a devoted CCD teacher with purpose – to bring our younger generations to have a stronger relationship with Christ.

Barbara Ann was proud to have served as an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion through The Diocese of New Ulm.

On September 10, 1966, Barbara Ann Gjerde & James George Kachelmeier were united in marriage at St. Peters Catholic Church.

Later that year, Barbara followed her husband to Riverside, CA, as James was enlisted in the US Air Force as a four year Airman Sergeant.

After their military service, the couple resided back home on the family farm in Nicollet, MN.

Barbara & James Kachelmeier raised six children in the Catholic faith.

Barbara was the family homemaker as James provided mechanic services to neighboring farmers. Both also worked in industry/assembly plants in St. Peter.

Jesus came calling early for husband, James George Kachelmeier who passed away on March 2, 2007.

For the next several years, Barbara Ann continued to be the strong nurturing caregiver for her children and grandchildren.

In 2017, Barbara was introduced in a defensive driving class to a gentle soul named Emmett Raymond O’Reilly.

Ray had an affinity for planes, trains, and automobiles. Ray worked for BNSF Railroad in St. Paul for 43 years.

Both shared their strong Catholic faith together and were married on April 22, 2018 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Janesville, MN.

The senior newlyweds loved going to farm and air shows and enjoyed polka dancing at neighborhood ballrooms and clubs.

Barbara enjoyed tending to both her vegetable and flower gardens, cooking family meals, singing songs while playing the piano and harmonica. Barbara loved doing artwork – coloring and painting.

Barbara’s heart fulfillment was spending quality time with her children.

Barbara & Ray had four-plus amazing years of marriage while residing at Ray’s country homestead in Mapleton, MN, eventually moving to Cambridge for assisted living care.

Emmett Raymond O’Reilly was called home to Jesus on October 4, 2022 at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge, MN.

Barbara Ann O’Reilly is survived by brothers, Patrick (Jane) Gjerde of Fairfield, PA and Timothy (Darcy) Gjerde of Excelsior, MN; sister, Jane (Robert) Nelson of Wyoming, MN; children, Teresa (James) Wise of Cambridge, MN, Rebecca (Todd) Newberry of North Mankato, MN, James Kachelmeier of Mankato, MN, William (Amy) Kachelmeier of St. Peter, MN, Tamara Kachelmeier of Brooklyn, NY, and John (Aimee) Kachelmeier of New Ulm, MN; grandchildren, Austin & Jacob Kachelmeier (sons of James & Nikki Kachelmeier), Olivia, Chloe, & Harper Kachelmeier (daughters of John & Aimee Kachelmeier, Robert (Lauren) Newberry of Mankato, MN, Matthew (fiancé Sable Fuller) of Nicollet, MN, Maya Newberry (boyfriend Tyler) of Cottage Grove, MN; great-grandchildren, Aurora & Caspian Newberry.

Barbara Ann O’Reilly is preceded in death by James (Barbara) Kachelmeier of St. Peter, MN, Daniel (Jerlyn) Gjerde of Roseburg, OR, and Robert (Jane) Nelson of Wyoming, MN.

Barbara Ann Helen O’Reilly (Kachelmeier)

Matthew 25:23 N.L.T.

*** Well Done My Good & Faithful Servant ***

The family would like to extend gratitude to the Ecumen Hospice, North Branch team for their exceptional service.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Memorial contributions may be directed to Barbara's daughter, Teresa Wise.