Barbara J. Karau

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 16, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Age:
79 years old

Visitation

Date: Wednesday October 13, 2021
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Peace United Church of Christ [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Wednesday October 13, 2021
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Peace United Church of Christ [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 16, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Age:
79 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 16, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Age:
79 years old

Barbara J. Karau

Barbara JoAnn (Ellefson) Karau, 79, of Rochester, MN died on October 7, 2021.

Barbara was born on April 16, 1942 in Rochester, MN to Herman and Mable Ellefson. In 1960, she graduated from John Marshall High School. In March of 1963, she married Gary Karau. She worked with Northwestern Bell / US West for over 30 years.

After retiring, Barb and Gary loved to travel. They went on 5 cruises, Hawaii, Alaska, Mediterranean, and the Bahama’s. They also traveled throughout the United States to both the East and West Coasts.

Barb was a longtime member of Peace United Church. She loved her church and taught bible study for several years, was Funeral Chairman, and belonged to Miriam Circle and Senior Saints. She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Lan) Quang of Whittier, CA; son, Daniel Karau of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Andrea (Gabe) Paredes of Whittier, CA, Adam (Eleanor) Quang of Worcester, MA, and Bailey Karau of Rochester; great-grandchildren, Nadia and Evelyn Paredes of Whittier, CA; sisters-in-law, Char Ellefson of Rochester, Jean Karau of Albert Lea, MN, and Glenda Andrist of Rochester.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Karau; her parents; brother, David Ellefson; and sister, Margie Creech.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Peace United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Masks are required by Peace United Church of Christ.

Memorials are requested to Peace United Church of Christ or Samaritan Bethany.

For livestreaming information, please go to Peace United Church of Christ’s webpage for the link: https://www.peacechurchucc.org/

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of Barbara J. Karau has received the following condolences.

Dear Dan and Family,


I am so sorry about the loss of Barb.  When I first moved to the neighborhood where she lived, she was so kind to me and invited me over and gave me a Christmas gift, which I still have.  That meant the world to me.  A great woman indeed.  May she rest in peace, and may your heart-felt loss heal with time.  

Our sympathy to Barb’s family and friends.  Barb was a special lady and always a kind neighbor to our mother, Gladys Ellefson while they both lived at Arbor Terrace.  Karen and Richard Carlson

To the Karau family,


I’m so very sorry for your loss!


Barb was very kind/welcoming to all of us at the Telephone Company.  Her wonderful smile and boisterous laugh will be remembered! 


Praying God will bring you comfort and peace as your celebrate her life.  I will be there in spirit!


Paddy

i have known Barb for many years.  She was a great friend.  I played Bingo with her for many years at the KC hall.  So sorry for your loss.  GOD BLESS

i have known Barb for many years.  She was a great friend.  I played Bingo with her for many years at the KC hall.  So sorry for your loss.  GOD BLESS

i have known Barb for many years.  She was a great friend.  I played Bingo with her for many years at the KC hall.  So sorry for your loss.  GOD BLESS

Dan and Bailey, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person and I had the pleasure of working with her for many years. Ginger

Dan and Bailey I am sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.