Brian A. Barber, 66

Brian A. Barber, 66

Brian Arthur Barber, 66, of rural Austin, Minnesota, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Brian was born October 30, 1958 in Austin, Minnesota to Lloyd and Eldora “Ellie” (Schneider) Barber. He began working at an early age, delivering newspapers when he was in second grade and he went to work for Red Owl when he was 15. He graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1976 and drove truck for Midland until he went to work for Hormel where he worked for over 31 years. In 1982, he married Michele Stoeckel and together they raised their three children, Ashley, Dallas and Cole. Brian and Michele divorced in 2002.

Brian enjoyed spending time outdoors deer hunting, turkey hunting and fishing. In his years working for Hormel, he became very skilled at knife sharpening and prided himself with having the sharpest knives. He loved riding his motorcycle; and for over 20 years, Brian looked forward to playing poker with his buddies each month.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Barber; sister-in-law, Jean Barber; brother-in-law, Craig Bucknell; and special friend Pamela Dubois.

Brian is survived by his children, Ashley Slowinski (Mark) of Austin, Dallas Barber of Prescott, WI, and Cole (Amanda) Barber of Austin; granddaughter, Freya; mother, Ellie Barber of Dodge Center; siblings, Diane Barber of Dodge Center, Brad Barber of Dodge Center, Deb Bucknell of Le Roy, Laurie (Randy) Rahlf of Osakis, MN, and Lonnie (Kyla) Barber of Lakeville, MN; nieces and nephews and special friend and caregiver Wanda Hanson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 18th at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, 308 2nd Street NW, Dodge Center with the Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. There will be a luncheon to follow.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.