Barbara Jean Foran (Bidstrup) of Arnold, Nebraska passed away peacefully at her home on September 15th, 2026, at the age of 77.
Barb was born in Bixby Knolls, California on January 18th, 1949, to Betty (Burns) and Karl Bidstrup. Betty remarried in 1967 to Robert “Bob” Turner and Bob formed a wonderful bond with Barb where she gained a second father.
Barb was called to the sandhills of Nebraska at the age of 14 and moved to live with her grandparents, Glen and May Burns and spent the rest of her life calling the small town of Arnold her home. Barb met the love of her life, Harvey Foran, at Arnold Public school. The two were “country neighbors” and lived three miles down the road from each other. Harvey and Barb were married October 14th, 1967. In 1968 they joyfully welcomed their first son, Clint and in 1970 they welcomed their daughter Chirs, completing the family of four.
Barb spent her whole life as an extremely active member of the Arnold community. Through the years Barb was part of the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Arnold Library Board, Arnold Public School Teammates, and so many, many others. She was proud of her small community and was proud to support its many growths and activities.
Barb had a couple favorite places to settle at, which included the Lego House she and Harvey spent their free time in, where she favored the floral Legos or just sitting and sorting out the pieces for Harvey while they talked. She could also be found chit chatting over coffee with friends, family or any random stranger who happened to walk in wherever she was at. Barb never met a stranger and was always willing to share a cup and story with anyone who wanted to sit and talk. Some of her favorite things to talk about were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren or one of their many pets. She had a special story about each one, and each one had a special place in her heart.
Above all, Barb loved her family, from her daughter Chris to her newest great-granddaughter Emma. Barb was no stranger to loss and had suffered the loss of her son and great-grandson Grant, among others, but they never left her heart or lost a place in her stories, as she was determined they would live on and be remembered, always.
Barb was preceded in death by her beloved son, Clint, great-grandson Grant and parents. Survivors include husband Harvey Foran, daughter Chris Foran and partner James Irons, grandchildren Brent (Andrea) Winfield, Amanda (Paul) Lopez, Eric (Nelly) Winfield. Great-Granddaughters: Lila, Grace, Tessa, Abigail, Mackenzie, Emma, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arnold, NE. Burial will follow in the Arnold Cemetery. A rosary will be held prior to the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. The family asks that any donations be made in Barb’s memory to the Arnold Cemetery or donors’ choice in Barb’s memory. Govier Brothers Mortuary/Arnold Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at govierbrothers.com
