Barbara Jean (Lawler) Wentink
Saturday, November 3, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Age:
66 years old
Visitation
Date: Tuesday December 20, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Time: 9:30 am
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Time: 10:30 am
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Saturday, November 3, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Age:
66 years old
Saturday, November 3, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Age:
66 years old
Barbara Jean (Lawler) Wentink
Barbara “Barb” Wentink, age 66, of Rochester passed away December 17, 2011, at Madonna Towers Nursing Care Center.
Barbara Lawler was born November 3, 1945, in Rochester, MN to Robert and Patricia (Shandley) Lawler. Barb is the second of nine children: Patricia, William, Robert, Mary Lynn, John (Jack), Colleen, David, and Mark.
Barb graduated from Lourdes High School in 1963, completed her nursing degree from St. Marys School of Nursing in 1966, and worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Marys, Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, and Mayo Clinic upon her return from Milwaukee.
Although they met in second grade, Barb did not marry the love of her life, William (Bill) Stewart Wentink, until September 21, 1968, at St. Francis Church in Rochester. During their 43 wonderful years of marriage, Barb and Bill had four children, William (Bill), Robert (Bob), Amy, and Jean. Amy was diagnosed with leukemia and died at the age of 3, surrounded by the love of her parents and brothers.
In the years after Amy’s death, Barb and Bill co-founded Northland House, which opened its doors to ill children and their families in 1980. Northland House later became chartered as the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. Barb served as the first Housekeeping Chairperson of the Northland House, served on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1990, and was a member of the House’s Operations Committee.
Barb was involved in many school events, taught religious education, and was active in women’s groups at St. Pius Church and the Church of Pax Christi. She was also a Cub Scout Den Leader, teacher’s aide at St. Pius, and started her own business, Custom Knitting.
After raising her three children, Barb returned to school and graduated from Sister Rosalind Gefre’s School of Professional Massage in 1997 as a nationally certified massage therapist. She started her second business, Caring Touch Therapeutic Massage; worked with Jenson Chiropractic out of Stewartville; and was an instructor, student mentor, and massage therapist at her graduating school.
Barb’s true calling was as a mother to her four children, three foster children, and then as a grandmother to her four grandchildren: Riley, Lucy, and Will (Bill and Pam); and Mitchell (Bob and Jacqui). The time spent with her family is what she held most precious and was her favorite “job.”
Barb also made time for her many interests: painting, photography, needlework, woodcarving, knitting, basket- and soap-making, bird-watching, gardening, reading, and her favorite – traveling. Barb and Bill traveled the world over, often with family or with their close-knit group of friends, known as the Card Club, due to 30 plus years of playing monthly games of 500. Barb and Bill enjoyed living in Rochester, Milwaukee, WI; Boulder, CO; and Ridgefield, CT. She most enjoyed her time at two favorite places: a cabin on Fish Trap Lake in MN and a condo owned by the Card Club in North Redington Beach, FL. These were visited often and generously shared with everyone. Barb derived a lot of pleasure from being with and providing for her family and friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy; mother; and brothers, Bill and John.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father James Russell officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 5:00pm to 8:00 p.m. at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials are preferred to the Madonna Living Community Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, or charity of choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Barbara Jean (Lawler) Wentink has received the following condolences.
My sincere sympathy to all of your family. I remember Barb as a very caring person.
Janice McCord McArthur
Saint Marys School of Nursing - Diploma Class 1966
Bill,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Barb. She was blessed with a kind heart and a loving family.
Dick and Karen Luoma
Am so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. I always think fondly of her kind nature to us all. Aloha, Susan
I am very sorry to hear of Barb's passing. I remember her fondly from St Mary's student days and what a kind, friendly, smart woman she was. What a fine life she led. My condolences to her family.
Bill,
I am so sorry to hear of Barb's death. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I'm certain you will receive much support from your family and friends, However, if ever I can help as you grieve for Barb and having been there myself, please don't hestitate to e-mail or phone me 715-878-4352.
Fondly,
Sue Kampa Wackwitz
I will always remember Barbara as one who never failed to say hello all the way through school and always with intelligence and charm. My best to Bill and family. Sincerely, Glenn Michael Lawler
Dear Bill and family,
My heart goes out to all of you at your loss of such a beautiful person. I remember her so well in high school as such a loving, kind, gentle friend. What she has accomplished in her lifetime is so amazing.
My daughter also graduated from Sr. Rosalind's school and what miracle workers she turns her students into.
May you all be blessed with all the good memories of Barb.
Sincerely,
Carol Fette
Jean and family,
I am so very saddened and sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take good care.
Deb paige
Dear Wentink and Lawler families,
It saddened me to hear of Barb's death. She was a lovely person and did so much to help others during her well-lived life. She will surely be missed greatly.
Ellen Murray Thompson, Lourdes H.S.Class of '63
Please accept my sympathy! Barb was a great person and terrific nurse! We had lots of fun in high school and nursing school. Mary Hesse Moriarty
I graduated with Barbara and I am very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely lady and will be in my prayers.
Bill & Family
Sorry for the lost of your loved one, I enjoyed taking care of barb at Madonna Tower's, and getting to know her family. The family will be in my preyer's and thought's.
Dear Bill and Family,
I am so sadden to hear of the loss of your best friend and ours. It has been a long time since I was in contact with her, but I do remember the good times we had growing up together. Every time I was in Rochester and drove passed her family home, wonderful memories would come back to me of those fun times we shared.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May all the fond memories you shared, give you comfort during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to you Bill and your family. My memories of Barb from grade school and high school are all good as she was a sweet person to all she knew.
Sincerely,
Mary Zemek
Bill, our thoughts and prayers are with you! We've lost touch with you and Barb over the years, but we remember some very good times with you and your family in Boulder in 1972.
Marlene and Dave
Bill-
I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was a great woman and I feel blessed to have been able to get to know her and care for her during my two years and Madonna Towers. I will be keepimg you and your family in my prayers. Please send Helen my condolences as well as I know she was a good friend to you and Barb.
Sincerly-
Kellie McLaughlin
Wentik/Lawler family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I have only fond memories of the entire Lawler family as we kind of grew up together at St. Francis, and Lourdes.
May God bless you all and keep you in his deepest love.
Sincerely, Jim and Pam Johnson
Bill please accept my condolences, I am so sorry to hear of your lose. Take comfort in know Barb is now with our Lord and at peace. Love, Donna
Bill & Family
Sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Deepest Sympathy
Blessings
Jodie
Bill and family, I want to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I spent 12 years of school with Barb and Bill and also nursing training with Barb. She was such a caring and thoughtful person and set an example of a person who had great faith and was a wonderful friend, mother and wife. The last few years have been hard for Barb and the family but it seemed to make them stronger. She now has found peace and happiness and her reward in heaven. I send my love across the miles..Cheryl Caulfield
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Barb. She was one of the nicest people we ever knew. She suffered a lot after her surgery and strokes. It was so hard to see her that way. I know how much you'll miss her. There will be such a void, but your heart is full of memories and love for her.
We usually are in Arizona by now, but for a variety of reasons we decided to wait until after Christmas to leave Minnesota. We will be at Barb's funeral. We will be praying for her soul and for you Bill and all of your family at this very difficult time.
May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Love,
Tom and Connie
I am so very sorry to read of Barb's passing. I worked at Madonna Towers when Barb first moved in and then when Bill and Barb moved to their new apartment. She was a honey and I will never forget her. I still remember what happened at the wedding that caused her diability. The lord works in mysterious ways and he needed to call her home. I will keep on praying for the family as the holidays near, it is a tough time. You all now have one of thee best guirdian angels a person could ask for. God Speed to you all and may you find some comfort tonight and from now on.
Sorry to hear about Barb (your Wife & Mother). We had a cabin two houses down on Fish Trap Lake
that we sold in 1996 after my father (Gene Witucki) passed away. It used to belong to my Grandparents,
F.J. (Mac) and Eva McGowan. My oldest daughter, Jessica, played with Jean at the cabin some summers when we were there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Love, Sue & John Broich & Family
My thoughts are with your entire family as you go through this tough time. Barb was a strong woman whom I admired so much. I enjoyed our talks and checking in with you most everyday at MT. May you rest in peace!
Love, Amy
Dear Jean,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your mother sounds like a remarkable person.
Priya
Frank and Karen have kept us informed at this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss.
When Bob's Mom died the week before Christmas in 2001, her pastor said she would have her best Christmas EVER. Barb will, too. Our prayers and thoughts are with your whole family. Peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Bob and Mary Haugen
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as you mourn the loss of your daughter, sister, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, grandmother, aunt and friend. May you all find comfort through one another and in knowing that Barb lives on in all of you. I know that she had to be a remarkable woman having been raised in the Lawler Family. Blessed be her memory.
Sending much love and prayers to the Wentinks.
xo,
Teresa
Dear Wentink Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Barb, I know she will be missed by all.
My thouhgts and prayers are with your entire family as you gather to remember the woman you loved so much.
To my dear Godchildren Riley, Lucy & Will I am sending you lots of love as you say goodbye to your wonderful Grandma.
Love,
Nancy
Aunt and Godmother Barb, I love you. Your second journey your about to embark on will be peaceful and reunited with family for eternity. I know your at peace also for you, knowing your family is brave and successful, successful in life, work and family. I am glad you saw your family thrive and succeed and have seen and gotten to know your grandchildren. It's okay now to go and be in calm, quiet peace. I will always remember our times at the cabin which would not be possible without you. The good memories I hold and honor and cherish. Your smile and laugh I will forever have that image implanted in my mind. You were very nurturing, compassionate, concerned, loving and caring. A genuine soul, a gentle soul. An elegant lady with a heart of pure gold. Your legacy lives on in your children and your grandchildren and you are loved so much. Miss you Barb and love you.
Bill, Pam and your family-
So sorry for your loss. May you have comfort in the memories.
Sincerely,
Patrick, Kristi, Evan and Charlie Dougherty
Jean and Family,
I am sorry for the loss of the strong and amazing woman in your lives. You are in my thoughts and I'm sending calming and peaceful energy your way. Namaste.
~Jackie
Jean,
I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Vickie
Wentinks-
Barbara sounded like an wonderful person who gave so much to others. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. I am hoping this week will bring peace to you all. You are in my thoughts-
Emily
Jean-I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She sounds like an amazing woman, and I imagine she has left an impact on many people.
Jean your Momma sounds like she was an amazing and talented woman. I am so glad you were able to spend so much time with her these last few months. I can only imagine how hard this time has been for you and your family, but am confident you have many wonderful memories to remember her by for the rest of your life. It is comforting to know she passed peacefully with her loved ones around her. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Brenda
Jean and Family,
My prayers are with you all. Jean - your mom sounded like such a beautiful person and I'm so sorry I never had the chance to meet her. May those precious memories stay with you forever.
Love,
Emily
Dear Bill & Family,
Our sympathy on the passing of Barb. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn her death. May God Bless each and every one of you.