Verna Barnes

Obituary

Verna Frieda Barnes was born May 26, 1918, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the daughter of Paul and Frieda (Macho) Lowinske. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith as a youth. Verna grew up in the Sleepy Eye area, and attended country school.

On December 24, 1938, Verna was united in marriage to Robert Barnes at Winthrop, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three daughters and one son. Together they farmed in the New Ulm and Sleepy Eye areas until 1955 when they moved to Hutchinson. Verna worked at Miller’s Market in downtown Hutchinson, and was employed with 3M for 22 years.

Verna enjoyed cooking and working in her garden. She and Robert had wintered in Naples, Florida for a number of years and became permanent residents of Naples in 1985. Verna lovingly cared for Robert during his lengthy illness. They had shared 52 years of marriage when Robert passed away on December 23, 1989. Eventually Verna returned to Hutchinson, and became a resident of Woodstone Senior Living in May of 2016.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 18, 2018, Verna passed away at Woodstone Senior Living, having reached the age of 100 years, 6 months, 22 days. Blessed be her memory.

Verna is survived by her:
Children and their spouses:     Sandra DeMenge of Litchfield, Minnesota,
                                                Judith and Robert Hammond of Blaine, Minnesota,
                                                Martin and Nancy Barnes of Hutchinson, Minnesota,
                                                Phyllis and Dean Cripps of Hutchinson, Minnesota;    
8 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, and 6 Great-Great-Grandchildren;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Verna was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband, Robert; Son-in-law, Ralph DeMenge; Sister, Mae Tischer; Brother, Walter Lowinske and his Wife, Bea; Brother, Lester Lowinske and his Wife, Lavern.