Barbara Jean Willard
Tuesday, December 20, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, May 28, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Tuesday, December 20, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, May 28, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Tuesday, December 20, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, May 28, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Barbara Jean Willard
Barbara J. Willard (Halland), 68, died peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2018 with family and pets at her side at home.
Barbara was born to Robert and Olga (Anderson) Halland and grew up on the family farm near Storden, MN. She attended Model Beauty School from 1967 to April 1968 and later worked at Mable’s Beauty Shop in Worthington. In 1970, Barbara started work with Midtex Incorporated while attending Mankato State University, where she met her future husband Michael Willard. They married September 2, 1972 and moved to Orlando, FL where they had three daughters, Heather, Heidi, and Tracey. During her time in Orlando, Barbara was employed at The Naval Training Center in the Civilian Personnel Center. With her husband’s corporate role, the ensuing years would take Barb and her family to a number of new locations in the Midwest and East Coast where she worked in a variety of administrative support roles at Western Connecticut State University, Boehringer Pharmaceuticals, and Union Carbide. Barb and Mike settled in Rochester in 1993 where Barb spent several years with the Rochester Public School District, retiring in June of 2006.
Barbara enjoyed baking, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderfully selfless person who’s most endearing quality was her unwavering concern for the welfare of others. Barbara was much loved and will be greatly missed by all of her family
Barbara is preceded in death by one daughter, Heidi Jones; her brother, Ralph Halland; her parents; Robert and Olga Halland; and parents-in-law, Ralph and Helen Willard. She is survived by her husband, Michael Willard; daughters, Heather Sherwin, and Tracey Willard; son-in-law, John Sherwin; three grandchildren, Grant Sherwin, and Arianna and Aiden Jones, all of Rochester, MN. She also leaves behind one brother, Steven (Verla) Halland of Storden, MN. She is survived by numerous cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1st at Zumbro Lutheran Church with Pastor Vern Christopherson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Parkinson Foundation.
Condolences
The family of Barbara Jean Willard has received the following condolences.
Our hearts morn your lost. Joy and I shared many tears . Barbara was a beautiful soul. May the many memories help you get through this time.
May God grace be with you.!
Linda & Joy Young
From the Sturm Family to the Willard Family, our hearts and thoughts are with you in your loss of Barbara. Peace.
Mike, You are being held close in thought and prayer as you grieve the loss of Barbara. May God bless you and family and bring you comfort.
Dear Willard Family,
I was saddened to read of Barbara's passing and my heart aches for all of you.
My connection with Barbara was through her work with the Rochester School District, Support Services.
She was one of THE warmest, kindest and most competent support staff that I had the privilege of knowing in my thirty plus years in the District.
She was a "GEM" in every sense of the word.
May the days ahead provide you peace and comfort that she is now in His hands.
Sincerely,
Patrick Byron
Winona, MN
Mike, Tracey, Heather, Arianna, Aiden and Family-
My memories of Barb - and you all - are so comforting and so full of humor and tenderness. Your home was home to me as a kid and I will always, always have such fondness and love for each of you! She was so patient and tolerant of all our kooky kid ways. I am so sorry for Barb’s suffering and for your loss. Praying for your comfort and peace.
Kristin (Kwib)
Mike and family,
We are so saddened by your loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathies. May wonderful memories of Barb carry you through this sad time. God’s peace,
Shelley and Steve
Dear Mike,
I am so sad to learn of Barb’s passing. She was far too young to suffer so, and I know she will be greatly missed. We can take comfort in the many great memories she helped create and in our sure hope of the resurrection when we will all be together again. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Rich Vetter
My condolences to Mike and family on the loss of your dear Barbara.
Amy O'Hare
Heather and family - My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. While you are preparing to say your "good-byes", remember that your mom continues to live on in your heart and in your memories. May those memories provide you with some measure of comfort and joy. Terri Wehrman
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barb. I loved coming to your house when we were growing up and playing with Heidi. Barb was always so loving, welcoming and friendly. She loved her family and lived her life with passion. I was honored to have known her.
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barb. I loved coming to your house when we were growing up and playing with Heidi. Barb was always so loving, welcoming and friendly. She loved her family and lived her life with passion. I was honored to have known her.
Family of Barb-
I am so saddened to learn of Barb's passing. I was fortunate to have gotten to know her while she worked for the Rochester Public Schools. She was just the most kind, wonderful and caring person. She wore her heart on her sleeve. I bumped into Barb a couple times over the course of years after she had retired, and, she still had that beautiful smile and twinkle in her eye. She always spoke about her Grandchildren; she was so proud of them. The world would profit greatly with a few more like her. She will be terribly missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family. Jerilyn Schmidt.